1. past tense of batten; to secure or fasten down with strips of wood or metal
Usage: nautical; construction
2. past tense of batten; to thrive or prosper, especially at someone else’s expense
Usage: often followed by ‘on’ or ‘upon’

Examples

• The crew battened down the hatches before the storm hit.
• They battened the roof with wooden strips to prevent leaks.
• The windows were battened shut against the hurricane winds.
• The corrupt officials battened on public funds for years.
• Some companies battened upon the economic crisis to increase profits.
• The parasitic investors battened on the struggling businesses.