batten

Universal Words noun, verb noun (technical) a long strip of wood that is used to keep other building materials in place on a wall or roof verb IDIOMS batten down the hatches 1 to prepare yourself for a period of difficulty or trouble: A natural tendency in times of recession is to batten down the hatches and think about our own needs. 2 (on a ship) to firmly shut all the entrances to the lower part, especially because a storm is expected PHRASALVERBS batten sth<->down to fix sth firmly in position with wooden boards: He was busy battening down all the shutters and doors. batten on sb (BrE, disapproving, formal) to live well by using other people's money, etc.