Batten

Definitions

1. A surname.
2. A plank or strip of wood, or several of such strips arranged side by side, used in construction to hold members of a structure together, to provide a fixing point, to strengthen, or to prevent warping.
3. A strip of wood holding a number of lamps; especially (theater), one used for illuminating a stage; (by extension, also attributive) a long bar, usually metal, affixed to the ceiling or fly system and used to support curtains, scenery, etc.
   specifically
4. A long, narrow strip, originally of wood but now also of fibreglass, metal, etc., used for various purposes aboard a ship; especially one attached to a mast or spar for protection, one holding down the edge of a tarpaulin covering a hatch to prevent water from entering the hatch, one inserted in a pocket sewn on a sail to keep it flat, or one from which a hammock is suspended.
   specifically
5. The movable bar of a loom, which strikes home or closes the threads of a woof.
   specifically

Equivalents

Examples

“The next morning, we took the battens from the hatches, and opened the ship.”

“She was too sick to get⟳ out of bed, and he was not able to hoist her up without assistance; […] we were permitted to come⟳ in and hoist her ladyship up again to the battens.”

“In carvel construction, the planks which cover⟳ the sides of the vessel lie⟳ alongside one another without overlapping and the seams are calked. Where the construction is too light⟳ to admit⟳ calking, a narrow batten or ribband is run⟳ along the seams inside.”

CEFR level