hatch-ladder

(hach’lad/ér), n. Nawt., a fixed ladder, consisting usually of iron rods set in a frame at the side of a hatchway, for pa ing from one deck to another. hatchment (hach’ment),». [Formerly also atchment, achment, achement, early mod. E. hachement, a contraction, through a form at che ament, of achievement, formerly also spelled atchieve ment. See achievement, 3.) 1. Inher.: (a) An escutcheon or armorial shield granted in recognition of some distinguished achievement; an achievement (in sense 3). Hspecially—(b) A funeral achievement; a square tablet set diagonally and bearing the arms of a deceased person, placed over a tomb or upon the exterior of the house in which the person dwelt. The surroundings of the shield of arms are so distinguished that the sex and condition of the deceased can be known: thus, an unmarried man has his shield and crest upon a black ground; an unmarried woman, a lozenge bearing her arms with a knot instead of a crest, also on a black ground, Hatchment of an Esquire — his arms impaled with those of his wife, the wife surviving. For married persons the shield is impaled (see impalement); and in case a widow or widower survives, that half of the shield or lozenge which bears the arms of the survivor carries them upon a white background, the half a propria ted to the deceased haying a black background. A Pishagts arms, being impaled with those of his see, are relieved on a black background, those of the see having a hate white one. When a person is the last of his race, a skull is put above the shield or lozenge in the place of the crest. In the case of a member of the Order of the Garter who is a married man, or of his wife, two shields are displayed side by side, that on the dexter side having the knight's arms alone surrounded by the motto of the order, that on the sinister having the coats of husband and wife. Houses where funeral hatchments for murdered inmates had been perpetually suspended were decked with garlands. Motley, Dutch Republic, II. 265. Hence—2. Any distinguishing mark, badge of honor, symbol, or the like, as the sword of a soldier. Receive these pledges, These hatchments of our griefs, and grace us so much To place ’em on his hearse. Fletcher, Bonduc a, y. 1. For, as I am condemned, my naked sword Stands but a hatchment by me; only held To show I was a soldier. Fletcher, Val ent in i an, iv. 4. Let there be deducted, out of our main potation, Five marks in hatchments to adorn this thigh. Beau. and Fi., Scornful Lady, ii.