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.-a sword or other mark of the profession of arms; in general, a mark of dignity.