but1
  
  conj.
   - used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has come before or with what is expected.
- 
[with neg. or in questions]
 other than; otherwise than.
- 
[with neg.]
 archaic without it being the case that.
prep.
 except; apart from.
adv.
  - only.
- Austral./NZ & Scottish informal though; however:![]()  he was a nice bloke but. 
n.
 an objection:
![]() 
 no ifs and buts.
Phrase
  
    
      - but for
 except for.▸if it were not for. 
 
  Etymology
  OE be-ūtan, būtan, būta ‘outside, without, except’ (see by, out).
 
  
    
but2
  
  n.
 Scottish an outer room, especially in a two-roomed cottage.
Phrase
  
  Etymology
  C18: from but1 in the early sense ‘outside’.