I. ˈbə-trəs noun
Etymology: Middle English butres, from Anglo-French ( arche ) boteraz thrusting (arch), ultimately from buter to thrust — more at butt
Date: 14th century
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 buttress of the cause of peace
• but·tressed -trəst adjective
[
buttress 1
]
II. transitive verb
Date: 14th century
: to furnish or shore up with a buttress ; also : support , strengthen
arguments buttress ed by solid facts