(bat′n) v.i.
1. To grow fat or thrive.
2. To prosper; live well, especially at another's expense.
—v.t.
3. To make fat, as cattle. [<ON batna grow better, improve]

(bat′n) noun
1. A narrow strip of wood; a cleat, as across parallel boards in a door.
2. In the theater: a A cleat placed on a muslin flat or piece of scenery to stiffen it. b A round metal bar to which spotlights or floodlights are attached.
3. Naut a A thin strip of wood placed in a sail to keep it flat. b A similar strip used to fasten down a tarpaulin covering on a hatchway.
—v.t.
1. To make, furnish, or strengthen with battens.
2. To fasten with battens.
—to batten down the hatches Naut. To put tarpaulins over a hatchway and secure them by strips of wood. [Var. of BATON]
—bat′ten·er noun