batten

³batten

verb

bat·tenedbat·ten·ing \ˈbat-niŋ, ˈba-t^ən-iŋ\

Definition of BATTEN

transitive verb

1

: to furnish with battens

2

: to fasten with or as if with battens —often used with down

intransitive verb

: to make one secure by or as if by battens <battening down for the hurricane>

— batten down the hatches

: to prepare for a difficult or dangerous situation

First Known Use of BATTEN

1663