n.
Pronunciation: ' bat
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English batt
Date: before 12th century
1 : a stout solid stick : CLUB
2 : a sharp blow : STROKE
3 a : a usually wooden implement used for hitting the ball in various games b : a paddle used in various games (as table tennis) c : the short whip used by a jockey
4 a : BATSMAN , BATTER <a right-handed bat > b : a turn at batting ― usually used in the phrase at bat c : hitting ability <we need his bat in the lineup>
5 : BATT
6 British : rate of speed : GAIT
7 : BINGE
– off one's own bat
chiefly British : through one's own efforts
– off the bat : without delay : IMMEDIATELY <recognized him right off the bat >