hatchment

[ hach-muhnt ]

noun

, Heraldry.

1. a square tablet, set diagonally, bearing the coat of arms of a deceased person.

hatchment

/ ˈhætʃmənt /

noun

1. heraldry a diamond-shaped tablet displaying the coat of arms of a dead person Also calledachievement

Word History and Origins

Origin of hatchment¹

First recorded in 1540–50; variant (by syncopation and aspiration) of achievement

Word History and Origins

Origin of hatchment¹

C16: changed from achievement

Example Sentences

If the family bore arms, the hatchment, emblazoned with this emblem, was hung upon the door.

From Project Gutenberg

There is the inverted triangular plan, and the shield or hatchment form.

From Project Gutenberg

I refer to the methods of depicting arms upon hatchments, and more particularly to the hatchment of a married woman.

From Project Gutenberg

If for a bachelor the hatchment bears upon a shield his arms, crest, and other appendages, the whole on a black ground.

From Project Gutenberg

It is thus easy to discern from the hatchment the sex, condition and quality, and possibly the name of the deceased.

From Project Gutenberg