ETYM French battant. Related to Batter.
1. Stick used to fix something in place, to hold it firm.
2. Slender stick inserted in the pocket of a sail to keep the sail flat against the wind.

1. A small signboard outside the office of a lawyer or doctor, e.g.
2. Building material used as siding or roofing; SYN. shake.
3. Coarse beach gravel of small water-worn stones and pebbles (or a stretch of shore covered with such gravel).