[ˈbʌtrɪs], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a structure of stone or brick built against a wall to strengthen or support it
(e.g: the cathedral's massive buttresses)

- a source of defence or support
(e.g: she clung to her shrinking faith as a buttress against despair)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French (ars) bouterez ‘thrusting (arch)’, from boter ‘to strike or thrust’ (see butt)

[ˈbʌtrɪs], (Verb)

Definitions:
- provide (a building or structure) with buttresses
(e.g: we buttressed the wall as it was showing signs of cracking and collapse)

- increase the strength of or justification for; reinforce
(e.g: authority was buttressed by religious belief)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French (ars) bouterez ‘thrusting (arch)’, from boter ‘to strike or thrust’ (see butt)