BETTY

betty. Betty, n. an instrument to break open doors with

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Bet″ty (�), n. 1. 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. 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. 3. A pear-shaped bottle covered round with straw, in which olive oil is sometimes brought from Italy; — called by chemists a Florence flask. Bartlett.