(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
A ~ is a long strip of wood that is fixed to something to strengthen it or to hold it firm.
...a ~ to support the base timbers.
N-COUNT
2.
If something is ~ed in place, it is made secure by having ~s fixed across it or being closed firmly.
The roof was never securely ~ed down.
VERB: usu passive, be V-ed adv/prep
3.
to ~ down the hatches: see hatch