but

I. conjunction Etymology: Middle English, from Old English būtan, preposition & conjunction, outside, without, except, except that; akin to Old High German būzan without, except; akin to Old English be by, ūt out — more at by, out Date: before 12th century 1. a. except for the fact <

would have protested but that he was afraid

> b. that — used after a negative <

there is no doubt but he won

> c. without the concomitant that <

it never rains but it pours

> d. if not ; unless e. than <

no sooner started but it stopped

> — not often in formal use 2. a. on the contrary ; on the other hand ; notwithstanding — used to connect coordinate elements <

he was called but he did not answer

> <

not peace but a sword

> b. yet <

poor but proud

> c. with the exception of — used before a word often taken to be the subject of a clause <

none but the brave deserves the fair — John Dryden

> II. preposition Date: before 12th century 1. a. with the exception of ; barring <

no one there but me

> — compare but I,2c b. other than <

this letter is nothing but an insult

> 2. Scottish a. without, lacking b. outside III. adverb Date: 12th century 1. only, merely <

he is but a child

> 2. Scottish outside 3. to the contrary <

who knows but that she may succeed

> 4. — used as an intensive <

get there but fast

> IV. pronoun Date: 1556 that not ; who not <

nobody but has his fault — Shakespeare

> V. noun Etymology: Scots but, adjective (outer) Date: 1724 Scottish the kitchen or living quarters of a 2-room cottage