The phrase "butts and bounds" refers to boundaries or limits. The spelling of "butts" comes from the Middle English word "but" meaning end or outer limit. The spelling of "bounds" comes from the Old French word "boune" meaning limit or boundary. In IPA phonetic transcription, "butt" is pronounced as /bʌt/ with the "u" sound like in "but" and "bounds" is pronounced as /baʊndz/ with the "ou" sound like in "out". Together, the phrase is pronounced as /bʌts ənd baʊndz/.
"Butts and bounds" is an expression that refers to a method of property or land measurement. It is primarily used in surveying and land law contexts. When determining the boundaries of a piece of land, the term "butts" refers to the boundaries or corners of the land, while "bounds" are the lines or markers that connect those corners.
In this method, surveyors would establish specific points or landmarks at the corners of a property (the butts) and then measure and mark out the lines that connect these corners (the bounds). These boundaries would serve as legal demarcations of the land and would be used to distinguish one property from another.
The expression "butts and bounds" can also be used metaphorically to describe the limits or constraints of something. It implies a clear definition of what is permissible or acceptable.
In summary, "butts and bounds" is a surveying term that refers to the corners and boundaries of a piece of land. It is used to establish legal demarcations and identify the limits of a property. Metaphorically, it can also indicate the boundaries or constraints that define a particular situation or concept.