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.