Dictionary

buttle en · VERB

Etymology

Back-formation from butler. Compare bottle (verb).

Meanings

1. (humorous, nonstandard) To serve as or perform the duties of a butler.
   • Houses where Negroes buttled or cooked were marked for a visit. 1989, Benjamin Quarles, The Negro in the Civil War:
   • ...even the stoic and impeccable maid of Miss Ethelwyn Arthur-Jones, who ‘buttled’ as well as the most time-honoured butler. 1909, J. T. Grein, Sunday Times:
   • At times like this, he buttled when Spriggan the butler was not on duty, or if an extra hand was needed, he footed as well. 2000, Terry Pratchett, Carpe Jugulum:

Forms