[but.ter.fly] n, often attrib (bef. 12c) 1: any of numerous slender-bodied diurnal insects (order Lepidoptera) with broad often brightly colored wings
2: something that resembles or suggests a butterfly; esp: a person chiefly occupied with the pursuit of pleasure
3: a swimming stroke executed in a prone position by moving both arms in a circular motion while kicking both legs up and down
4. pl: a feeling of hollowness or queasiness caused esp. by emotional or nervous tension or anxious anticipation
[2]butterfly vt -flied ; -fly.ing (1954): to split almost entirely and spread apart "a butterflied steak" "butterflied shrimp"