Hatchment
[hætʃmәnt]
Definition
(n.) 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.
(n.) A sword or other mark of the profession of arms; in general, a mark of dignity.
Editor: Mervin
Definition
n. the arms of a deceased person within a black lozenge-shaped frame meant to be placed on the front of his house.
Typist: Nigel
Examples
- Here and there a Hatchment, with the whole science of Heraldry in it, loomed down upon the street, like an Archbishop discoursing on Vanity. Charles Dickens. Little Dorrit.
- It was a feminine hatchment, and indeed a few years back had served as a funeral compliment to Sir Pitt's old mother, the late dowager Lady Crawley. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- Quartered in this dingy hatchment commemorative of Symond are the legal bearings of Mr. Vholes. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- If we are gentlefolks they will put hatchments over our late domicile, with gilt cherubim, and mottoes stating that there is Quiet in Heaven. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- Arms and Hatchments, Resurgam. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
Typed by Connie