Literary notes about batten (AI summary)
In literature, "batten" functions with remarkable versatility, serving both as a proper name and as a dynamic verb. In numerous diary entries by Samuel Pepys, the name Sir W. Batten appears repeatedly, marking him as a notable figure in the social and political fabric of his time ([1], [2], [3], [4]). At the same time, the word takes on a kinetic quality in nautical and dramatic contexts; for instance, it instructs one to secure a vessel's hatches ([5], [6]) and even appears in poetic calls for sustenance or growth ([7], [8], [9]). This dual usage imbues the term with layered significance that transcends genres and eras, contributing both to character identity and to vivid, physical action on stage and at sea.
- By and by, in the evening, comes Sir W. Batten’s Mingo to me to pray me to come to his master and Sir Richard Ford, who have very ill news to tell me.
— from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys - Up and find the girle better, which we are glad of, and with Sir W. Batten to White Hall by coach.
— from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys - Home, there hear that my Lady Batten had given my wife a visit (the first that ever she made her), which pleased me exceedingly.
— from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys - So home with Mr. Moore to his chamber, and after a little talk I walked home to my house and staid at Sir W. Batten’s.
— from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys - “You'll perhaps batten down your hatches till you're spoke to, my friend,” cried Silver truculently to this speaker.
— from Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson - Nail down the lid; caulk the seams; pay over the same with pitch; batten them down tight, and hang it with the snap-spring over the ship’s stern.
— from Moby Dick; Or, The Whale by Herman Melville - Could you on this fair mountain leave to feed, And batten on this moor?
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - that will preserve life, make her round and plump, and batten 111 more than you are aware.
— from The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe - Note 111 ( return ) [ batten: i.e. fatten.]
— from The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe
