batten

(bătˈn)

1. To become fat.
2. To thrive and prosper, especially at another's expense: “[She] battens like a leech on the lives of famous people, . . . a professional retailer of falsehoods” (George F. Will).

(bătˈn)

1. Nautical
   a. One of several flexible strips of wood or plastic placed in pockets at the outer edge of a sail to keep it flat.
   b. A narrow strip of wood used to fasten down the edges of the material that covers hatches in foul weather.
2. Chiefly British A narrow strip of wood used especially for flooring.

(bătˈn), Jean 1909-1982.