- hatch (v1.)
- "to produce young from eggs by incubation," from M.E. hachen (c.1250), probably from O.E. *hæccan, of unknown origin. Hatchery is first recorded 1880.
- hatch (n.)
- O.E. hæc (gen. hæcce) "fence, gate," from P.Gmc. *khak- (cf. M.H.G. heck, Du. hek "fence, gate"). Sense of "plank opening in ship's deck" is first recorded 1233. Drinking phrase down the hatch first recorded 1931. Hatchback as a type of rear door of an automobile is from 1970.
- hatch (v2.)
- "drawn fine parallel lines," 1389, from O.Fr. hacher "chop, hatch," from hache "axe" (see hatchet).