Batten

Part of speech: noun (n.)

A strip of sawed stuff, or a scantling; as, (a) pl. (Com. & Arch.) Sawed timbers about 7 by 2 1/2 inches and not less than 6 feet long. Brande & C. (b) (Naut.) A strip of wood used in fastening the edges of a tarpaulin to the deck, also around masts to prevent chafing. (c) A long, thin strip used to strengthen a part, to cover a crack, etc. Batten door (Arch.), a door made of boards of the whole length of the door, secured by battens nailed crosswise.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

The movable bar of a loom, which strikes home or closes the threads of a woof.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To make fat by plenteous feeding; to fatten. "Battening our flocks." Milton.

2. To fertilize or enrich, as land.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To grow fat; to grow fat in ease and luxury; to glut one's self. Dryden. The pampered monarch lay battening in ease. Garth. Skeptics, with a taste for carrion, who batten on the hideous facts in history, -- persecutions, inquisitions. Emerson.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To furnish or fasten with battens. To batten down, to fasten down with battens, as the tarpaulin over the hatches of a ship during a storm.