■ noun
1》 a container with a narrow neck, used for storing liquids.
↘( the ~ ) informal used in reference to the heavy drinking of alcohol: more women are taking to the ~.
↘a baby's feeding ~.
↘a large metal cylinder holding liquefied gas.
2》 Brit. informal one's courage or confidence.
■ verb
1》 place in ~s for storage.
2》 ( ~ something up ) repress or conceal feelings.
3》 ( ~ out ) Brit. informal lose one's nerve and decide not to do something.
4》 informal hit with a glass ~.
Origin
ME: from OFr. boteille , from med. L. butticula , dimin. of late L. buttis (see butt 4 ).