- butt
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butt1
/but/, n.1. the end or extremity of anything, esp. the thicker, larger, or blunt end considered as a bottom, base, support, or handle, as of a log, fishing rod, or pistol.2. an end that is not used or consumed; remnant: a cigar butt.3. a lean cut of pork shoulder.4. Slang. the buttocks.5. Slang. a cigarette.[1400-50; late ME bott (thick) end, buttock, OE butt tree stump (in place names); akin to Sw but stump, Dan but stubby; cf. BUTTOCK]butt2/but/, n.1. a person or thing that is an object of wit, ridicule, sarcasm, contempt, etc.2. a target.3. (on a rifle range)a. a wall of earth located behind the targets to prevent bullets from scattering over a large area.b. butts, a wall behind which targets can be safely lowered, scored, and raised during firing practice.4. See butt hinge.5. Obs. a goal; limit.v.i.6. to have an end or projection on; be adjacent to; abut.v.t.7. to position or fasten an end (of something).8. to place or join the ends (of two things) together; set end-to-end.[1350-1400; ME < MF but target, goal, prob. ON bútr BUTT1, from the use of a wooden block or stump as a target in archery, etc.]Syn. 1. victim, target, mark, dupe, gull, laughingstock, prey, pigeon, patsy.butt3/but/, v.t.1. to strike or push with the head or horns.v.i.2. to strike or push something or at something with the head or horns.3. to project.4. Mach. (of wheels in a gear train) to strike one another instead of meshing.5. butt in, to meddle in the affairs or intrude in the conversation of others; interfere: It was none of his concern, so he didn't butt in.6. butt out, to stop meddling in the affairs or intruding in the conversation of others: Nobody asked her opinion, so she butted out.n.7. a push or blow with the head or horns.[1150-1200; ME butten < AF buter, OF boter to thrust, strike < Gmc; cf. MD botten to strike, sprout]butt4/but/, n.1. a large cask for wine, beer, or ale.2. any cask or barrel.3. any of various units of capacity, usually considered equal to two hogsheads.butt5/but/any of several flatfishes, esp. the halibut.Also, but.
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Universalium. 2010.