Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Abutment
A-but′ment
(ȧ-bŭt′ment)
, Noun.
1.
State of abutting.
2.
That on or against which a body abuts or presses
; as
(a)
(Arch.)
The solid part of a pier or wall, etc., which receives the thrust or lateral pressure of an arch, vault, or strut.
Gwilt.
(b)
(Mech.)
A fixed point or surface from which resistance or reaction is obtained, as the cylinder head of a steam engine, the fulcrum of a lever, etc.
(c)
In breech-loading firearms, the block behind the barrel which receives the pressure due to recoil.
Webster 1828 Edition
Abutment
ABUT'MENT
,Noun.
1.
The head or end; that which unites one end of a thing to another; chiefly used to denote the solid pier or mound of earth, stone or timber, which is erected on the bank of a river to support the end of a bridge and connect it with the land.2.
That which abuts or borders on another.