A*but"ment (#), n.

1.

State of abutting.

2.

That on or against which a body abuts or presses

; as (a) Arch.

The solid part of a pier or wall, etc., which receives the thrust or lateral pressure of an arch, vault, or strut

. Gwilt. (b) mech.

A fixed point or surface from which resistance or reaction is obtained, as the cylinder head of a steam engine, the fulcrum of a lever, etc.

(c)

In breech-loading firearms, the block behind the barrel which receives the pressure due to recoil.

 

© Webster 1913.