Answer: battens

AnswerCrossword Clue
BATTENSSecures, in a way, with "down"
BATTENSWooden reinforcing strips
BATTENSSail stiffeners
BATTENSThrives; grows fat.
BATTENSSecures
BATTENSGrows fat
BATTENSSecures at sea
BATTENSFastens (down)
BATTENSSecures, as a ship's hatches
battensBATTEN, to fasten with strips of wood
battensto fasten with this
battensstrip of wood holding something in place