I. ˈbə-t ə n-ˌhōl noun
Date: 1561
1. : a slit or loop through which a button is passed
2. chiefly British : boutonniere
II. transitive verb
Date: 1828
1. : to furnish with buttonholes
2. : to work with buttonhole stitch
• but·ton·hol·er -ˌhō-lər noun
III. transitive verb
Etymology: alteration of buttonhold
Date: 1857
: to detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of