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 building2: 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]