noun

A long, flat strip of squared wood or metal used to hold something in place or as a fastening against a wall.

The horizontal timber battens of the south wall overlay profiled metal sheets, changing the scale of the wall and introducing shadow animation.

bar,bolt,clamp,rail,shaft

transitive verb

Strengthen or fasten (something) with battens.

Stephen was battening down the shutters

fasten,fix,secure,clamp,clasp,bolt,rivet,lash,make fast,nail down,seal,tether