Batten

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Batten: Wooden slat inserted into pockets in sails to give them shape. In a storm, hatches to the hold could blow open exposing the cargo to the weather. Battens were used to secure them by sliding the slat through metal loops, hence the term, "Batten down the hatches!" (Always shouted). Other similar uses.
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Quote of the day: "To me, old age is always 15 years older than I am."  Bernard M. Baruch
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