n. & v.
--n.
1. a a projecting support of stone or brick etc. built against a wall. b a source of help or encouragement (she was a buttress to him in his trouble).
2 a projecting portion of a hill or mountain.
--v.tr. (often foll. by up)
1. support with a buttress.
2 support by argument etc. (claim buttressed by facts).
Etymology: ME f. OF (ars) bouterez thrusting (arch) f. bouteret f. bouter BUTT(1)