hatch, match, and dispatch

== English == === Alternative forms === hatch, match and despatch === Etymology === hatch suggests birth, as in the hatching of an egg; match suggests marriage, as in the matching of bride and groom; and dispatch suggests death. === Noun === hatch, match, and dispatch (plural hatches, matches, and dispatches) The major milestones of a person's life: birth, marriage, and death. ==== Usage notes ==== The noun is most often used to refer to functions performed by a religious institution or a civil celebrant around these milestones, or to the subject matter of a newspaper column. It is sometimes used attributively to indicate concern with only these milestones and not other matters. ==== Translations ==== === Verb === hatch, match, and dispatch (third-person singular simple present hatches, matches, and dispatches, present participle hatching, matching, and dispatching, simple past and past participle hatched, matched, and dispatched) (slang) To preside over the ceremonies surrounding birth and naming, marriage, and funerals or memorial services.