BUTT. (I) A cask for ale or wine, with a capacity of about two hogsheads (108 gal. ; see HOGSHEAD) . (2) The thick end of anything, as of a fishing-rod, or the wooden end of a rifle, shaped to fit against the firer's shoulder, also the stump of a tree. (3 ) A mark for shooting, or a mound or bank, sometimes called a "stop-butt," in front of which are placed the targets in artillery or musketry practice (Fr. but, a goal, and butte, a target, a rising piece of ground). The word is used figuratively of a person or object at which derision or abuse is levelled.