n. & v.
--n.
1. a number of things or persons forming a group or dealt with together.
2 an instalment (have sent off the latest batch).
3 the loaves produced at one baking.
4 (attrib.) using or dealt with in batches, not as a continuous flow (batch production).
5 Computing a group of records processed as a single unit.
--v.tr. arrange or deal with in batches.
Etymology: ME f. OE b{aelig}cce f. bacan BAKE