Flood-gates set in a river to stop the current of water. Also, coverings of grating, or close hatches to seal the holds.
♦ To lie under hatches, stowed in the hold. Terms used figuratively for being in distress and death.
Under the hatches; in trouble, distress, or debt. ...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
Are raised coamings on a steamer's deck, to form coverings for the cranks of the engines below. ...
The Sailor's Word-Book
Luxurious quarters "Gingerbread-hatches on shore." ...
Securing the tarpaulins over them. (See battens of the hatches.) ...
Long narrow laths, or straightened hoops of casks, serving by the help of nailing to confine the edg...
Certain raised work rather higher than the decks, about the edges of the hatch-openings of a ship, t...