Im*pale"ment (?), n.
1.
The act of impaling, or the state of being impaled.
Byron.
2.
An inclosing by stakes or pales, or the space so inclosed.
H. Brooke.
3.
That which hedges in; inclosure.
[R.]
Milton.
4. Her.
The division of a shield palewise, or by a vertical line, esp. for the purpose of putting side by side the arms of husband and wife. See Impale, 3.
© Webster 1913.