a) (original meaning) : among fishermen in North America: on a vessel, especially vessels dedicated to winter time lobster and crab fishing, to close all entrances to the lower decks and crew cabins when you are in a storm
b) (my new and improved meaning): in Atlantic Canada and New England, a term meaning, in cities such as New York, Boston, Montreal, Halifax, to insulate the doors and windows of one's house for the winter months.
b) (my new and improved meaning): in Atlantic Canada and New England, a term meaning, in cities such as New York, Boston, Montreal, Halifax, to insulate the doors and windows of one's house for the winter months.
if you want to properly hibernate, be prepared to batten the hatches definition b), even if it costs a small fortune.
by Sexydimma December 9, 2014

I lost my girl, my job, and my dog. I thought my life was over, but I was just hatching, turns out my life is great now!
by Jenny John March 18, 2024

When you need a poo. You can feel it almost ready to come out. It’s growing inside and you know it’s going to be a good one 👍
by Miles Away Boy January 10, 2022

by Busted Hatchet March 6, 2013

by Jackparker November 2, 2017

Refers to a humongous "ah-choo!" that you consciously "divert" or "re-direct" the air-blast force of through your throat and out your mouth --- rather than letting it travel its "standard" path through your sinuses and out your nose --- thereby reducing the risk of a "wet 'n' messy" spray from your nostrils. Of course, you should still always cover your nose and mouth to minimize germy emanations in any case.
Performing the "escape hatch" sneeze can indeed often allow for cleaner nasal-cannon discharging, but it can also lead to hoarseness and a painful throat if excessively utilized in a fairly short period of time.
by QuacksO September 21, 2020

by la land down under August 18, 2012
