Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Impeachment \Im*peach"ment\, n. [Cf. F. emp[^e]chement.]
   The act of impeaching, or the state of being impeached; as:
   (a) Hindrance; impediment; obstruction. [Obs.]

             Willing to march on to Calais, Without impeachment.
                                                  --Shak.
   (b) A calling to account; arraignment; especially, of a
       public officer for maladministration.

             The consequence of Coriolanus' impeachment had like
             to have been fatal to their state.   --Swift.
   (c) A calling in question as to purity of motives, rectitude
       of conduct, credibility, etc.; accusation; reproach; as,
       an impeachment of motives. --Shak.

   Note: In England, it is the privilege or right of the House
         of Commons to impeach, and the right of the House of
         Lords to try and determine impeachments. In the United
         States, it is the right of the House of Representatives
         to impeach, and of the Senate to try and determine
         impeachments.

   {Articles of impeachment}. See under {Article}.

   {Impeachment of waste} (Law), restraint from, or
      accountability for, injury; also, a suit for damages for
      injury. --Abbott.