Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BUTT, n. [See But.]

1. Literally, end, furthest point. Hence, a mark to be shot at; the point where a mark is set or fixed to be shot at. – Dryden.
2. The point to which a purpose or effort is directed. – Shak.
3. The object of aim; the thing against which an attack is directed. – Clarendon. Hence,
4. The person at whom ridicule, jests or contempt are directed; as, the butt of ridicule. – Spectator.
5. A push or thrust given by the head of an animal, as the butt of a ram; also, a thrust in fencing.
6. A cask whose contents are 126 gallons of wine, or two hogsheads; called also a pipe. A butt of beer is 108 gallons, and from 1500 to 2200 weight of currants is a butt. [Sax. butte or bytt; Sp. bota.] – Johnson.
7. The end of a plank in a ship's side or bottom. – Mar. Dict.
8. A particular kind of hinge for doors, &c.