~ 1
■ noun a long, flat wooden or metal strip for strengthening, stiffening, or securing something.
■ verb strengthen, stiffen, or fasten with ~s.
Phrases
~ down the hatches
1》 Nautical secure a ship's tarpaulins.
2》 prepare for a difficult situation.
Derivatives
~ing noun
Origin
C15: from OFr. batant , pres. participle (used asnoun) of batre 'to beat', from L. battuere .
————————
~ 2
■ verb ( ~ on ) thrive or prosper at the expense of.
Origin
C16 (in the sense 'improve, grow fat'): from ON batna 'get better', related to better .