BUTTRESS


Meaning of BUTTRESS in English

— buttressless , adj. — buttresslike , adj.

/bu"tris/ , n.

1. any external prop or support built to steady a structure by opposing its outward thrusts, esp. a projecting support built into or against the outside of a masonry wall.

2. any prop or support.

3. a thing shaped like a buttress, as a tree trunk with a widening base.

4. a bony or horny protuberance, esp. on a horse's hoof.

v.t.

5. to support by a buttress; prop up.

6. to give encouragement or support to (a person, plan, etc.).

[ 1350-1400; ME butres arc ) boterez thrusting (arch) nom. sing. of boteret (acc.), equiv. to boter- abutment (perh. 3 ) + -et -ET ]

Syn. 6. encourage, hearten, support, inspirit, brace, back up, reinforce, shore up.

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .