[hatch] n [ME hache, fr. OE haec; akin to MD hecke trapdoor] (bef. 12c) 1: a small door or opening (as in an airplane or spaceship) "an escape ~"
2. a: an opening in the deck of a ship or in the floor or roof of a building b: the covering for such an opening c: hatchway d: compartment
3: floodgate
[2]hatch vb [ME hacchen; akin to MHG hecken to mate] vi (13c) 1: to produce young by incubation
2. a: to emerge from an egg, chrysalis, or pupa b: to give forth young or imagoes
3: to incubate eggs: brood ~ vt 1 a: to produce (young) from an egg by applying natural or artificial heat b: incubate 1
2: to bring into being: originate; esp: to concoct in secret -- hatch.abil.i.ty n -- hatch.able adj -- hatch.er n [3]hatch n (1601) 1: an act or instance of hatching
2: a brood of hatched young [4]hatch vt [ME hachen, fr. MF hacher to inlay, chop up, fr. OF hachier--more at hash] (15c) 1: to inlay with narrow bands of distinguishable material "a silver handle ~ed with gold"
2: to mark (as a drawing or engraving) with fine closely spaced lines [5]hatch n (1658): line; esp: one used to give the effect of shading