A curved structure linking the corner and central principals of a hearse, used to support hangings or other decorations over a coffin or tomb; (also more generally) any framework from which items may be hung.
Origin
Mid 16th century. Origin uncertain; perhaps from a variant or alteration of rack + -ment.
Definition of ratchment in US English:
ratchment
(also ratchmonde)
nounˈratʃm(ə)nt
historical
A curved structure linking the corner and central principals of a hearse, used to support hangings or other decorations over a coffin or tomb; (also more generally) any framework from which items may be hung.
Origin
Mid 16th century. Origin uncertain; perhaps from a variant or alteration of rack + -ment.