Bet"ty (?), n.

1. [Supposed to be a cant word, from Betty, for Elizabeth, as such an instrument is also called Bess (i. e., Elizabeth) in the Canting Dictionary of 1725, and Jenny (i. e., Jane).]

A short bar used by thieves to wrench doors open.

[Written also bettee.]

The powerful betty, or the artful picklock. Arbuthnot.

2. [Betty, nickname for Elizabeth.]

A name of contempt given to a man who interferes with the duties of women in a household, or who occupies himself with womanish matters.

3.

A pear-shaped bottle covered round with straw, in which olive oil is sometimes brought from Italy; -- called by chemists a Florence flask.

[U. S.]

Bartlett.

 

© Webster 1913.