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. batten 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 ]