TO EMPTY THE BUTTER-BOAT, verb. phr. (common).—To lavish praise; to BUTTER (q.v.).
1865. The Saturday Review, 7 Jan., 16, 2. That kind of praise which feels like the BUTTER-BOAT down one’s back.
1866. J. H. SKINNER, After Storm, I., 181. He praised some things and gave advice about others, using the BUTTER-BOAT less freely than is customary at volunteer inspections.
