Hatch"ment (?), n. [Corrupt. fr. achievement.]
1. Her.
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.
© Webster 1913.