Get Affordable VMs - excellent virtual server hosting


browse words by letter
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
hatchment


hatchment

 

  2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Achievement  \A*chieve"ment\  (-ment),  n.  [Cf.  F.  ach[`e]vement, 
  E.  {Hatchment}.] 
  1.  The  act  of  achieving  or  performing;  an  obtaining  by 
  exertion;  successful  performance;  accomplishment;  as  the 
  achievement  of  his  object. 
 
  2.  A  great  or  heroic  deed;  something  accomplished  by  valor, 
  boldness,  or  praiseworthy  exertion;  a  feat. 
 
  [The  exploits]  of  the  ancient  saints  .  .  .  do  far 
  surpass  the  most  famous  achievements  of  pagan 
  heroes.  --Barrow. 
 
  The  highest  achievements  of  the  human  intellect. 
  --Macaulay. 
 
  3.  (Her.)  An  escutcheon  or  ensign  armorial;  now  generally 
  applied  to  the  funeral  shield  commonly  called  {hatchment}. 
  --Cussans. 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  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