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. ] [ 1913 Webster ] The powerful betty, or the artful picklock. Arbuthnot. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
