batten

battenA roof being constructed using battens.

batten, term used in joinery for a board 4 to 7 inches (10 to 17.8 cm) wide and not more than 3 inches (7.6 cm) thick employed for various purposes. In sailing the word is applied to a strip of wood nailed to a mast to prevent rubbing or to fix down a tarpaulin over a hatchway in rough weather.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.
Citation Information
Article Title: batten
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 12 April 2017
Access Date: February 22, 2025