† ˈbutter-tooth Obs.
[f. butter n.1 + tooth: cf. Du. boter-tand ‘an incisor tooth, esp. when broad and large’ (Bomhoff). The reason for the name is uncertain.]
Originally perh. a front tooth; later app. = buck-tooth.
| 1571 R. Edwards Damon & P. in Dodsl. IV. 79 Father, you have good butter-teeth full seen. 1622 Massinger Old Law iii. ii, I'd had..my two butter-teeth Thrust down my throat. 1736 Bailey, Butter-Teeth, great, broad Foreteeth. 1782 A. Monro Anat. 121 Whence come butter or buck teeth? |
Hence ˈbutter-toothed ppl. a.
| 1688 R. Holme Armoury ii. 427/1 Butter Toothed is to have broad and great teeth before. |