Main Entry: ¹hatch

Pronunciation: \ˈhach\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English hache, from Old English hæc; akin to Middle Dutch hecke trapdoor

Date: before 12th century

1 : a small door or opening (as in an airplane or spaceship) <an escape hatch>
2 a : an opening in the deck of a ship or in the floor or roof of a building b : the covering for such an opening c : hatchway d : compartment
3 : floodgate