BATTEN

n. & v. --n. 1 a long flat strip of squared timber or metal, esp. used to hold something in place or as a fastening against a wall etc. 2 a strip of wood used for clamping the boards of a door etc. 3 Naut. a strip of wood or metal for securing a tarpaulin over a ship's hatchway. --v.tr. strengthen or fasten with battens. øbatten down the hatches 1 Naut. secure a ship's tarpaulins. 2 prepare for a difficulty or crisis. [OF batant part. of batre beat f. L battuere]