GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Buttress , 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.]
   (Arch.) A projecting mass of masonry, used for resisting the thrust of an arch, or for ornament and symmetry.
   1913 Webster
   ☞ When an external projection is used merely to stiffen a wall, it is a pier.
   1913 Webster
   Anything which supports or strengthens. “The ground pillar and buttress of the good old cause of nonconformity.”  
   South.
   
   1913 Webster
   Flying buttress. See Flying buttress.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Buttress , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Buttressed (); p. pr. & vb. n. Buttressing.] To support with a buttress; to prop; to brace firmly.
   1913 Webster
   To set it upright again, and to prop and buttress it up for duration.
   Burke.
   
   1913 Webster