\Im*peach"ment\, n. [Cf. F. emp[^e]chement.]
The act of impeaching, or the state of being impeached; as:
(a) Hindrance; impediment; obstruction. [Obs.]
          Willing to march on to Calais, Without impeachment.
                                               --Shak.
(b) A calling to account; arraignment; especially, of a
    public officer for maladministration.
          The consequence of Coriolanus' impeachment had like
          to have been fatal to their state.   --Swift.
(c) A calling in question as to purity of motives, rectitude
    of conduct, credibility, etc.; accusation; reproach; as,
    an impeachment of motives. --Shak.
Note: In England, it is the privilege or right of the House
      of Commons to impeach, and the right of the House of
      Lords to try and determine impeachments. In the United
      States, it is the right of the House of Representatives
      to impeach, and of the Senate to try and determine
      impeachments.
{Articles of impeachment}. See under {Article}.
{Impeachment of waste} (Law), restraint from, or
   accountability for, injury; also, a suit for damages for
   injury. --Abbott.