Battening is a word that is commonly used in construction and carpentry. It refers to the process of securing or fastening something in place using battens. However, the word has other meanings and associations as well. In this article, we will explore the different definitions, origins, and meanings of battening.
Definitions
Battening is a verb that means to secure or fasten something in place using battens. Battens are thin strips of wood or metal that are used to reinforce or support something. In construction, battens are often used to secure roofing materials, siding, or flooring. In carpentry, battens are used to reinforce joints or to provide additional support for shelves or cabinets.
Origin
The word battening comes from the Old English word bat, which means a strip of wood. The suffix -en is a common suffix used to form verbs in English. Therefore, battening literally means to strip with wood.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, battening means to cover or enclose with battens, to secure or fasten with battens, or to fatten or thrive by feeding. The Oxford English Dictionary defines battening as to secure or fasten something in place using battens, or to fatten or grow rich by exploiting others.
Associations
Battening is often associated with construction, carpentry, and shipbuilding. In construction, battens are used to secure roofing materials, siding, or flooring. In carpentry, battens are used to reinforce joints or to provide additional support for shelves or cabinets. In shipbuilding, battens are used to reinforce the hull of a ship or to secure the sails.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of battening include securing, fastening, reinforcing, strengthening, and supporting.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of battening include loosening, weakening, unfastening, and releasing.
The same root words
Some related words to battening include batt, batten, and battlement. Batt refers to a strip of wood, while batten refers to a thin strip of wood or metal used to reinforce or support something. Battlement refers to a parapet or wall with alternating indentations and raised sections.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences using the word battening:
- The roofers were battening down the shingles to prevent them from blowing away in the wind.
- The carpenter used battens to reinforce the joints of the cabinet.
- The shipbuilder installed battens to reinforce the hull of the ship.
- The farmer was battening his cows to fatten them up for market.