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’.