from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rebut \Re*but"\ (r[-e]*b[u^]t"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Rebutted};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Rebutting}.] [OF. rebouter to repulse, drive
back; pref. re- + bouter to push, thrust. See 1st {Butt},
{Boutade}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. To drive or beat back; to repulse.
[1913 Webster]
Who him, rencount'ring fierce, as hawk in flight,
Perforce rebutted back. --Spenser.
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2. (Law) To contradict, meet, or oppose by argument, plea, or
countervailing proof. --Abbott.
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