Batten’

n 1 a long flat strip of squared timber. b horizontal strip it. wood to which laths, tiles, etc., are fastened. 2 strip for securing tarpaulir over a ship’s hatchway. v. strengther or (often foll. by down) fasten with battens. [French: related to BATTER] batten2 Pbmt(a)n/ u. (foil. by on) thrive at the expense of (another). [Old Norse Battenberg rbwt(a)n,b3:g/ n. oblorn sponge cake, usu. of two colours anc covered with marzipan. [Battenberg it Germany]