Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Hatchment \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.