buttonhole
UK[ˈbʌtnhəʊl]US[ˈbʌtnhoʊl]
n
A hole through which a button is passed to fasten a piece of clothing.
n
A flower or small bouquet worn in a buttonhole on the lapel.
v
To detain and force someone to listen to you in conversation.
Morpheme Breakdown
button
hole
button
hole
Etymology
The word 'buttonhole' is a straightforward compound noun formed from two Old English and Old French elements. 'Button' originates from the Old French 'boton', meaning a knob or bud, itself derived from the verb 'bouter' (to thrust), reflecting the button's function of being pushed through an opening. 'Hole' comes directly from the Old English 'hol', denoting a hollow place or cavity. The compound logically describes the aperture designed to receive a button, a practical term for garment construction. Its later verbal sense, meaning to accost and detain someone in conversation, is a metaphorical extension from the idea of physically seizing someone by the buttonhole to secure their attention.
Analysis
Structure: button + hole
- button: From Old French 'boton' (knob, bud), from 'bouter' (to thrust). A functional element representing the fastening object.
- hole: From Old English 'hol' (cavity, hollow place). A functional element representing the opening or aperture.
Examples
He carefully sewed the buttonhole by hand.
He wore a carnation in his buttonhole for the wedding.
The reporter managed to buttonhole the minister as she left the building.