A*but"ment (#), n.
1.
State of abutting.
2.
That on or against which a body abuts or presses
; as (a)
Arch. The solid part of a pier or wall, etc., which receives the thrust or lateral pressure of an arch, vault, or strut
.
Gwilt. (b)
mech. A fixed point or surface from which resistance or reaction is obtained, as the cylinder head of a steam engine, the fulcrum of a lever, etc.
(c)
In breech-loading firearms, the block behind the barrel which receives the pressure due to recoil.
© Webster 1913.