n. & v.
--n.
1. a slit made in a garment to receive a button for fastening.
2 a flower or spray worn in a lapel buttonhole.
--v.tr.
1. colloq. accost and detain (a reluctant listener).
2 make buttonholes in.
Phrases and idioms:
buttonhole stitch a looped stitch used for making buttonholes.