Hypertext Webster Gateway: "achievement"

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.

From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)

achievement
n : the action of accomplishing something [syn: {accomplishment}]

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