How to pronounce“betty”in English
nounAll Video Occurrences for “betty” (50)Noun clips
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Definitions of “betty”
A short bar used by thieves to wrench doors open; a jimmy.
“No modern Lycæum vvill ever equal thy Glory, […] deſcribing the povverful Betty, or the artful Picklock, […]”
A picklock, skeleton key; a tool for opening locks.
“After a quick meal at a tea shop, we found ourselves in the hallway at the Midland Hotel, where he removed a skeleton key, or “betty” as he called it, from his pocket and inserted it in the keyhole. […] Once they were out of sight, I fumbled about with the betty for a few moments before the lock finally clicked open.”
To pick a lock, to open with a betty.
““Well then,” he said. “Let’s say you can betty the lock, hang on a rope, and break the drum, and then lock up again with nobody the wiser. How do I get on in the first place, past the Scots jack, with his sharp cool?””
To be overly attentive to someone or something.
““I’m perfectly well, thank you, Miss Hester,” she said, coldly. “I detest being bettied.””