hatchment

American  

[hach-muhnt] / ˈhætʃ mənt /

noun

Heraldry.

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

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hatchment British  

/ ˈhætʃmənt /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of hatchment

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

Example Sentences

Another hatchment with the arms of John Campbell and his second wife Henrietta Villiers — Elizabeth’s sister — made £3,250.

From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2011

"It is a hatchment over a noble's grave," cried Standish.

From Standish of Standish A story of the Pilgrims by Austin, Jane G. (Jane Goodwin)

Then, or it might be a fortnight afterwards--so long I think respect for my lady's loss and the new hatchment restrained the good-for-naughts--the trouble began.

From My Lady Rotha A Romance by Weyman, Stanley J.

At the head of the coffin was raised a large hatchment of the armorial bearings of the deceased; and the pall over the coffin bore escutcheons of his arms, wrought in silk.

From Art in England Notes and Studies by Cook, Dutton

We were handsome once—is this vanity at sixty? if so, our grey hairs are a hatchment for the past.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, August 21, 1841 by Various