verb
-tens; -tened; -tening
batten down
[phrasal verb]
to prepare for possible trouble or difficulty
batten down (something) or batten (something) down :to tie, close, or cover (something) in order to prevent it from moving or becoming damaged
batten down the hatches :to prepare a boat or ship for dangerous stormy weather by closing and covering the openings in the deck - often used figuratively
batten on
[phrasal verb]
batten on (something or someone) Brit formal + disapproving :to live well or succeed by using (something or someone)
noun
plural -tens
[count] :a long thin piece of wood that is used to connect and support other pieces of wood