[hach-muh
nt] 
| a square tablet, set diagonally, bearing the coat of arms of a deceased person. |
| hatch·ment (hāch'mənt) n. Heraldry A panel bearing the coat of arms of a deceased person. [Alteration of hachement, achiment, from achievement, escutcheon.] |
hatchment
heraldic memorial to a deceased person. The word is a corruption of achievement, the correct term for the full armorial display of shield, helmet, crest, mantling, wreath, and such additaments as mottoes, supporters, coronets, and compartment as are appropriate. This kind of memorial seems to be restricted mainly to the British Isles, Belgium, and The Netherlands. In England and Belgium the hatchment, or funeral escutcheon, as it is sometimes called, is diamond-shaped, made of wood or canvas in a black-edged frame; on it are emblazoned the arms of the deceased. The hatchment is placed first over the principal entrance of the house in mourning and is moved to the church of burial when the period of mourning is complete (12 months being traditional)
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