1. A hole through which buttons are pushed
   "She carefully stitched the buttonholes on the handmade shirt"

1. Get someone's attention in order to speak them, esp. against their will or to influence them
   "The salesman buttonholed potential customers at the trade show";
   - accost, nobble [Brit, informal]
    
2. Attempt to influence (a public official or decision-maker) in favour of a specific opinion or cause
   "Environmental groups buttonholed lawmakers to pass stricter pollution regulations";
   - lobby

Derived forms: buttonholed, buttonholes, buttonholing

Type of: beg, come, come up, hole, solicit

Part of: garment

Encyclopedia: Buttonhole