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batten1

Pronunciation: /ˈbat(ə)n/

Translate batten | into Italian
Definition of batten

noun

  • a long flat strip of squared timber or metal used to hold something in place or as a fastening against a wall.
  • a strip of wood or metal for securing a tarpaulin over a ship’s hatchway.
  • a strip of wood or plastic used to stiffen and hold the leech of a sail out from the mast.

verb

[with object]
  • strengthen or fasten (something) with battens:Stephen was battening down the shutters

Phrases

batten down the hatches

Nautical secure a ship’s tarpaulins.
prepare for a difficulty or crisis: a natural tendency in times of recession is to batten down the hatches

Origin:

late 15th century: from Old French batant, present participle (used as a noun) of batre 'to beat', from Latin battuere

batten in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of batten in the US English dictionary

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