transom

tran·som

noun \ˈtran(t)-səm\

Definition of TRANSOM

1

: a transverse piece in a structure : crosspiece: as

a : lintel

b : a horizontal crossbar in a window, over a door, or between a door and a window or fanlight above it

c : the horizontal bar or member of a cross or gallows

d : any of several transverse timbers or beams secured to the sternpost of a boat; also : the planking forming the stern of a square-ended boat

2

: a window above a door or other window built on and commonly hinged to a transom

— over the transom

: without solicitation or prior arrangement <the manuscript arrived over the transom>

Illustration of TRANSOM

Origin of TRANSOM

Middle English transyn, traunsom, probably alteration of traversayn, from Middle French travessain, from Old French traversain set crosswise, from Vulgar Latin *traversanus, from Latin transversus transverse

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, wainscot

Rhymes with TRANSOM

ransom