but·ton·hole  (b ŭt n-h ōl ′)
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n.1. A small slit in a garment or piece of fabric for fastening a button. 2. Chiefly British A boutonniere. tr.v. but·ton·holed, but·ton·hol·ing, but·ton·holes 1. To make a buttonhole in. 2. To sew with a buttonhole stitch. 3. To accost and detain (a person) in conversation: "He was also frequently buttonholed by White House lobbyists" (Terence Moran).
[V., sense 3, probably alteration of button-hold.]
button·hol′er n. |
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Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices
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