Main Entry: ¹bat

Pronunciation: \ˈbat\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English batt

Date: before 12th century

1 : a stout solid stick : club
2 : a sharp blow : stroke
3 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 jockey
4 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 : batt
6 British : rate of speed : gait
7 : 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>