You searched for: “batten
baton, batten
baton (buh TON, BAT'n) (noun)
1. A slender wooden stick or rod used by a conductor to direct an orchestra or band: The orchestra conductor raised his baton to start the music.
2. A hollow metal rod with a heavy rubber tip or tips that is wielded and twirled by a drum major or drum majorette: The majorette twirled the baton as she led the marching band.
3. A short staff carried certain public officials as a symbol of office: The mayor gave the baton of authority to the new mayor.
4. A cudgel or heavy stick carried by some police officers: The standard police equipment in Hiram's town also includes a heavy baton.
batten (BAT'n) (verb)
1. To prepare for possible trouble or difficulty: The city is ready to batten down for the weekend's scheduled protests.
2. To thrive and to prosper, especially at another person's expense: Adolph could only batten like a leech on the financial savings of other people.

In anticipation of difficulties with rioters during the convention in the city, the Police Chief planned to batten for any possibility, including equipping each of the officers with a baton.

During the entrance parade, the police captain marched at the head of the parade holding a baton high for the others to follow.