[but.tress] n [ME butres, fr. MF bouterez, fr. OF boterez, fr. boter--more at butt] (14c) 1: a projecting structure of masonry or wood for supporting or giving stability to a wall or building
2: 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 ~ of the cause of peace" -- but.tressed adj
[2]buttress vt (14c): to furnish or shore up with a buttress; also: support, strengthen "arguments ~ed by solid facts"