~ 1
■ verb
1》 hit with the head or horns.
2》 ( ~ in ) interrupt or intrude on a conversation or activity.
↘( ~ out ) N. Amer. informal stop interfering.
■ noun a rough push with the head.
Origin
ME: from OFr. boter , of Gmc origin.
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~ 2
■ noun
1》 an object of criticism or ridicule.
2》 an archery or shooting target or range.
↘a mound on or in front of which a target is set up for archery or shooting.
↘a grouse-shooter's stand.
Origin
ME: from OFr. but , of unknown origin.
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~ 3
■ noun
1》 (also ~ end ) the thicker end of something, especially a tool or a weapon.
↘the square end of a plank or plate meeting the end or side of another.
2》 (also ~ end ) the stub of a cigar or a cigarette.
3》 N. Amer. informal a person's bottom.
4》 the trunk of a tree, especially the part just above the ground.
■ verb meet end to end: the shop ~ed up against the row of houses.
↘join (pieces of stone, timber, etc.) with the ends or sides flat against each other.
Phrases
~ naked informal completely naked.
Origin
ME: the noun appar. related to Du. bot 'stumpy', also to ~ock ; the verb partly from ~ 2 , reinforced by abut .
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~ 4
■ noun
1》 a cask used for wine, ale, or water.
2》 US a liquid measure equal to 126 US gallons (equivalent to 477.5 litres).
Origin
ME: from OFr. bot , from late L. ~is .