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.