\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.