Hatchment

/ˈhætʃ.mənt/ noun

Definition

A diamond-shaped board displaying a coat of arms, typically hung on the outside of a house after someone's death as a memorial.

Etymology

From hatchment (probably from 'achievement' in heraldic terminology), a term used in heraldry and funeral customs dating back to the medieval period.

Kelly Says

These are like medieval 'death announcements'—when someone important died, their heraldic hatchment would be displayed outside their home for weeks, serving as public notice to the entire community!

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