3. The movable swing frame of a loom, carrying the reed for
separating the warp threads and beating up the weft; --
called also {lay} and {batten}.
{Blanchard lathe}, a lathe for turning irregular forms after
a given pattern, as lasts, gunstocks, and the like.
{Drill lathe}, or {Speed lathe}, a small lathe which, from
its high speed, is adapted for drilling; a hand lathe.
{Engine lathe}, a turning lathe in which the cutting tool has
an automatic feed; -- used chiefly for turning and boring
metals, cutting screws, etc.
{Foot lathe}, a lathe which is driven by a treadle worked by
the foot.
{Geometric lathe}. See under {Geometric}
{Hand lathe}, a lathe operated by hand; a power turning lathe
without an automatic feed for the tool.
{Slide lathe}, an engine lathe.
{Throw lathe}, a small lathe worked by one hand, while the
cutting tool is held in the other.
{To batten down}, to fasten down with battens, as the
tarpaulin over the hatches of a ship during a storm.
2. To fertilize or enrich, as land.
The pampered monarch lay battening in ease. --Garth.
Skeptics, with a taste for carrion, who batten on the
hideous facts in history, -- persecutions,
inquisitions. --Emerson.
{Batten door} (Arch.), a door made of boards of the whole
length of the door, secured by battens nailed crosswise.