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bat

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bat

Main Entry:: ¹bat
Pronunciation:: \ˈbat\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, from Old English batt
Date:: before 12th century

1: a stout solid stick : club2: a sharp blow : stroke3 a: a usually wooden implement used for hitting the ball in various games b: a paddle used in various games (as table tennis) c: the short whip used by a jockey4 a: batsman, batter <a right-handed bat> b: a turn at batting —usually used in the phrase at bat c: hitting ability <we need his bat in the lineup>5: batt6British : rate of speed : gait7: binge

— off one's own bat

chiefly British : through one's own efforts

— off the bat

: without delay : immediately <recognized him right off the bat>

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