Main Entry: ¹but·tress

Pronunciation: \ˈbə-trəs\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English butres, from Anglo-French (arche) boteraz thrusting (arch), ultimately from buter to thrust — more at butt

Date: 14th century

1 : a projecting structure of masonry or wood for supporting or giving stability to a wall or building
2 : something that resembles a buttress: as a : a projecting part of a mountain or hill b : a horny protuberance on a horse's hoof at the heel — see hoof illustration c : the broadened base of a tree trunk or a thickened vertical part of it
3 : something that supports or strengthens <a buttress of the cause of peace>

— but·tressed \-trəst\ adjective

[buttress illustration]