[ˈbatn], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a long flat strip of squared timber or metal used to hold something in place or as a fastening against a wall


Phrases:
- batten down the hatches

Origin:
late 15th century: from Old French batant, present participle (used as a noun) of batre ‘to beat’, from Latin battuere

[ˈbatn], (Verb)

Definitions:
- strengthen or fasten (something) with battens
(e.g: Stephen was battening down the shutters)


Phrases:
- batten down the hatches

Origin:
late 15th century: from Old French batant, present participle (used as a noun) of batre ‘to beat’, from Latin battuere

[ˈbatn], (Verb)

Definitions:
- thrive or prosper at the expense of
(e.g: multinational monopolies batten on the working classes)


Phrases:

Origin:
late 16th century (in the sense ‘improve in condition, grow fat’): from Old Norse batna ‘get better’, related to better