a. or adv. Obs. [Aphetic f. abuteward, ABOUTWARD, q.v.] Striving, using influence; busied about, going.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 27696. If þou … buteward was to lette his thrift, of this behoues þe mak þi scrift. Ibid., 28540. I ha bene butward for to lett tuix man and wijf þair childer gett.
