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batten on

phrasal verb

Definition of batten on

British, formal + disapproving
: to live well or succeed by using (something or someone)
  • He is someone who battens on the generosity of others.

Word by Word Definitions

batten play

  1. : to grow fat

  2. : to feed gluttonously

  3. : to grow prosperous especially at the expense of another

  1. : a piece of lumber used especially for flooring

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

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

  1. : to furnish with battens

  2. : to fasten with or as if with battens

  3. : to make one secure by or as if by battens

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