-mənt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French empalement, from empaler + -ment
1. : the act of impaling or the state of being impaled: as
a.
(1) archaic : enclosing, encircling, confining
(2) : the union of two or more coats of arms side by side on a heraldic shield divided palewise
b. : a piercing or piercing through with a pale, spike, or other pointed thing (as for fixing in a position or by an accidental fall)
c.
(1) : a placing or a being placed in an inescapable and awkward position (as of defeat or helplessness)
(2) : a deflating or a being deflated by telling logic or biting wit
2. : an enclosing fence or palisade