n. [ Corrupt. fr. achievement. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

His obscure funeral;
No trophy, sword, or hatchment o'er his bones. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A sword or other mark of the profession of arms; in general, a mark of dignity. [ 1913 Webster ]

Let there be deducted, out of our main potation,
Five marks in hatchments to adorn this thigh. Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ]