Pronunciation: [bˈɒtənɪ] (IPA) 
The word "Bottony" is derived from the French word "bouton," meaning a button or knob. In English heraldry, it refers to a certain type of cross adorned with knobs at the ends of each arm. The spelling of "Bottony" may be confusing as it is not pronounced as it looks. The correct pronunciation is "bot-uh-nee" with the emphasis on the second syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription for "Bottony" is /ˈbɒtəni/.
Bottony, also spelled as "bottonee," is an adjective that derives from the Old English word "botm," meaning the bottom part or base of something. It is primarily associated with heraldry, the study and design of coats of arms. In heraldry, "bottony" refers to a specific type of cross known as the bottony cross, characterized by the presence of trefoils or rounded lobes at the end of each arm.
The bottony cross symbolizes various concepts, with the trefoils representing Trinity in Christian iconography. It additionally signifies the importance of foundation, stability, and perpetuity. The rounded lobes or trefoils symbolize both the Holy Trinity and eternity, reflecting a divine or everlasting nature.
Outside of heraldry and its association with crosses, "bottony" can also be used more broadly to describe any design or pattern that resembles the bottony cross. This includes various ornamental motifs in architecture, jewelry, and art that depict recurring rounded or trefoil shapes.
Additionally, "bottony" may be used metaphorically to describe something deep-rooted, fundamental, or foundational. It suggests a sense of strength, stability, and enduring characteristics. In a figurative sense, it can indicate a core aspect or principle that underlies a belief, idea, or organization.
In conclusion, "bottony" is an adjective primarily used in heraldry to describe a particular type of cross with trefoil-like rounded lobes. It can also be extended to describe various motifs or patterns in other artistic domains. Metaphorically, it conveys notions of strength, stability, and foundational significance.
The word "bottony" originates from the Middle English word "botoun", which came from the Old French word "bouton" meaning "button". The term "botoun" was used to describe flowers or plants with a round or bud-like shape. Over time, "botoun" evolved into "bottony", which specifically referred to an ancient heraldic charge depicting a trefoil arranged in a triangular shape. This charge was used to symbolize strength and durability. Today, "bottony" generally means something being shaped like a trefoil or having a bud-like appearance.
