hatch

²hatch

verb

Definition of HATCH

intransitive verb

1

: to produce young by incubation

2

a : to emerge from an egg, chrysalis, or pupa b : to give forth young or imagoes

3

: to incubate eggs : brood

transitive verb

1

a : to produce (young) from an egg by applying natural or artificial heat b : incubate 1a

2

: to bring into being : originate; especially : to concoct in secret <hatch a plot>

— hatch·abil·i·ty \ˌha-chə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— hatch·able \ˈha-chə-bəl\ adjective

— hatch·er noun

Origin of HATCH

Middle English hacchen; akin to Middle High German hecken to mate

First Known Use: 13th century