Bet'ty, n.

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. “The powerful betty, or the artful picklock.” Arbuthnot. [Written also bettee.] 2. [From It. boccetta.] A pear-shaped bottle covered round with straw, in which olive oil is sometimes brought from Italy;—called by chemists a Florence flask.