HATCHMENT

Etymology

Noun

hatchment (plural hatchments)

(heraldry) An escutcheon of a deceased person, placed within a black lozenge and hung on a wall

Source: Wiktionary

Hatch"ment, n. Etym: [Corrupt. fr. achievement.]

1. (Her.)

Definition: A sort of panel, upon which the arms of a deceased person are temporarily displayed, -- usually on the walls of his dwelling. It is lozenge-shaped or square, but is hung cornerwise. It is used in England as a means of giving public notification of the death of the deceased, his or her rank, whether married, widower, widow, etc. Called also achievement. His obscure funeral; No trophy, sword, or hatchment o'er his bones. Shak.

2. A sword or other mark of the profession of arms; in general, a mark of dignity. Let there be deducted, out of our main potation, Five marks in hatchments to adorn this thigh. Beau. & Fl.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition