batten

¹bat·ten

verb \ˈba-t^ən\

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

Definition of BATTEN

intransitive verb

1

a : to grow fat

b : to feed gluttonously

2

: to grow prosperous especially at the expense of another —usually used with on

transitive verb

: fatten

Origin of BATTEN

probably from Old Norse batna to improve; akin to Old English betera better

First Known Use: circa 1540

Rhymes with BATTEN

fatten, flatten, gratin, Grattan, Latin, latten, matin, paten, patten, Patton, platan, platen, ratton, satin, statin

²batten

noun

Definition of BATTEN

1

a British : a piece of lumber used especially for flooring

b : a thin narrow strip of lumber used especially to seal or reinforce a joint

2

: a strip, bar, or support resembling or used similarly to a batten (as in a sail)

Origin of BATTEN

alteration of Middle English batent, bataunt finished board, from Anglo-French *bataunt, from present participle of batre to beat, from Latin battuere

First Known Use: 1658

Other Building Terms

cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

Rhymes with BATTEN

Latin, satin

³batten

verb

bat·tened bat·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