Main Entry:: tran·som
Pronunciation:: \ˈtran(t)-səm\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: 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
Date:: 14th century

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>

[transom illustration]

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