But"tress (?), n. [OE. butrasse, boterace, fr. F. bouter to push; cf. OF. bouteret (nom. sing. and acc. pl. bouterez) buttress. See Butt an end, and cf. Butteris.]

1. Arch.

A projecting mass of masonry, used for resisting the thrust of an arch, or for ornament and symmetry.

⇒ When an external projection is used merely to stiffen a wall, it is a pier.

2.

Anything which supports or strengthens.

"The ground pillar and buttress of the good old cause of nonconformity." South.

Flying buttress. See Flying buttress.

 

© Webster 1913.


But"tress (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Buttressed (); p. pr. & vb. n. Buttressing.]

To support with a buttress; to prop; to brace firmly.

To set it upright again, and to prop and buttress it up for duration. Burke.

 

© Webster 1913.

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