buttals
Extremely Rare/ObsoleteArchaic/Historical/Specialised
Definition
Meaning
The act of landing a blow or thrust with the butt end of a weapon, especially in fencing.
In historical or archaic legal contexts, can refer to supporting statements, arguments, or pleadings that substantiate a case, particularly rejoinders or counterpleas.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word exists at the intersection of two distinct but homographic lexical items: 1) A largely obsolete fencing/historical combat term. 2) A Middle English/Archaic legal term for pleadings or allegations, particularly those in support of an argument (related to 'buttress'). The modern user is far more likely to encounter this as a footnote in historical texts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference exists, as the term is obsolete in both varieties. American English may show slightly more recognition of its fencing use in historical reenactment communities.
Connotations
Solely historical or technical; evokes medieval law or historical combat manuals.
Frequency
Effectively zero in contemporary corpora. Used only in historical analysis or specialised historical fiction.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [fencing master] executed a deft set of buttals.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None exist for this word.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or linguistic papers discussing obsolete vocabulary.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Potential use in historical fencing (HEMA) terminology or in editing/transcribing medieval legal documents.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- 'Buttals' is a very old word you will not need.
- In the old book, the knight used the buttals of his spear to push his opponent.
- The scholar explained that 'buttals' in the medieval text referred to supporting legal arguments, not physical attacks.
- The treatise described a sophisticated manoeuvre involving a feint followed by a series of rapid buttals to the opponent's helm.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BUTTALS are BUTT-end blows in fencing, or arguments that BUTTress a legal case.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT/SUPPORT IS A PHYSICAL PROP (buttressing). ATTACK IS A THRUSTING MOTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'buttocks' or 'butt' (задница, ягодицы). The fencing term relates to 'тупой конец' (тупой конец оружия). The legal term is best understood as 'возражения' or 'контрдоводы' in a specific historical sense.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a plural of 'buttal' (which itself is obsolete).
- Assuming it is a modern synonym for 'butt' or 'buttress'.
- Misspelling as 'buttles'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'buttals' most accurately be used today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is considered obsolete. It is recorded in historical dictionaries like the OED with meanings related to fencing/thrusts and archaic legal pleadings.
No. Using it would cause confusion, as it is unknown to virtually all modern native speakers. It is only for historical or specialised academic writing.
The singular is 'buttal', but this form is also obsolete and was rarely used even historically.
They share an etymological root meaning 'to thrust or strike'. 'Buttress' evolved to mean a physical or metaphorical support. 'Buttals' remained specific to the actions of thrusting (in combat) or the specific legal arguments that 'support' a case.