Buttress (&unr_;), 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.
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&hand_; When an external projection is used merely to stiffen a wall, it is a pier.
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2. Anything which supports or strengthens. “The ground pillar and buttress of the good old cause of nonconformity.” South.
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Flying buttress. See Flying buttress.
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