batten
noun
[ ˈbat(ə)n ]
• a long flat strip of squared timber or metal used to hold something in place or as a fastening against a wall.
batten
verb
• strengthen or fasten (something) with battens.
• "Stephen was battening down the shutters"
Similar:
fasten,
fix,
secure,
clamp,
clasp,
bolt,
rivet,
lash,
make fast,
nail down,
seal,
tether,
Origin:
late 15th century: from Old French batant, present participle (used as a noun) of batre ‘to beat’, from Latin battuere .
batten
verb
• thrive or prosper at the expense of.
• "multinational monopolies batten on the working classes"
Similar:
flourish at the expense of,
thrive at the expense of,
fatten at the expense of,
prosper at the expense of,
gain at the expense of,
be a parasite on,
Origin:
late 16th century (in the sense ‘improve in condition, grow fat’): from Old Norse batna ‘get better’, related to better1.
