Literary notes about Butt (AI summary)
Writers employ the word “butt” in an impressively multifaceted way. It frequently describes physical structures—a thick tree trunk or the stock of a firearm appears in portrayals of nature and weaponry alike [1][2][3][4][5]—while it also serves as a dynamic metaphor. One author uses it in a playful, even bawdy manner to illustrate physical prowess or to add a humorous twist to dialogue [6][7], whereas another exploits its idiomatic sense to depict an interruption in conversation [8][9]. At times, “butt” denotes the target of ridicule or misfortune, reinforcing its versatility in character sketches and social commentary [10][11][12]. In some contexts, it even evokes the physical act of ramming or striking, as seen when describing animals or the force behind an imposed blow [13][14].
- Here is one of my favorites now before me, a fine yellow poplar, quite straight, perhaps 90 feet high, and four thick at the butt.
— from Complete Prose Works by Walt Whitman - Oaks, (many kinds—one sturdy Willows. old fellow, vital, green, bushy, Catalpas. five feet thick at the butt, I sit Persimmons.
— from Complete Prose Works by Walt Whitman - But my great oak—sturdy, vital, green-five feet thick at the butt.
— from Complete Prose Works by Walt Whitman - “Mr. Holmes, Mr. Holmes,” he said, turning the front of his coat and exhibiting the butt of a large revolver, which projected from the inside pocket.
— from The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle - He straightened himself then, and I saw that what he held in his hand was a sort of gun, with a curiously misshapen butt.
— from The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle - Cupid's butt-shaft is too hard for Hercules' club, and therefore too much odds for a Spaniard's rapier.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - 'Others would have kicked, Sahib.' 'Ah,' said the Englishman at last, rubbing his pony's damp withers with his whip-butt.
— from Kim by Rudyard Kipling - I can't butt in and say, 'Here, take me!
— from Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter - And can't I speak alone with a gentleman for five minutes but you must butt in on us?”
— from The Valley of Fear by Arthur Conan Doyle - A Butt with these Accomplishments frequently gets the Laugh of his side, and turns the Ridicule upon him that attacks him.
— from The Spectator, Volume 1 by Joseph Addison and Sir Richard Steele - I became the willing butt of their jokes; this perfected my popularity; I became a favorite.
— from Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain - The dreamer, of whom I speak, is the man they would hate, if they had time; 'tis him they like to make the butt of their harmless jokes.
— from On Love by Stendhal - Goats sit up and strike with their cloven hoofs, and butt and stab with their horns.
— from Malay Magic by Walter William Skeat - He found the coup d'état to his taste, the blow with the butt-end of a musket included.
— from The History of a Crime by Victor Hugo
