Word Study
burton
CIDE DICTIONARY
burton, n. [Cf. OE. & Prov. E. bort to press or indent anything.].
A peculiar tackle, formed of two or more blocks, or pulleys, the weight being suspended to a hook block in the bight of the running part. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
burton, n.
Idiom
go for a burton Brit. sl. be lost or destroyed or killed.
burton, n. a light two-block tackle for hoisting.
Etymology
ME Breton tackles: see BRETON
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