truss

Meanings

Plural: trusses

Noun

• (medicine) a bandage consisting of a pad and belt; worn to hold a hernia in place by pressure
• a framework of beams (rafters, posts, struts) forming a rigid structure that supports a roof or bridge or other structure
• (architecture) a triangular bracket of brick or stone (usually of slight extent)
• A bandage and belt used to hold a hernia in place.
• A structure made up of one or more triangular units made from straight beams of wood or metal, which is used to support a structure as in a roof or bridge.
• A triangular bracket.
• An old English farming measurement. One truss of straw equalled 36 pounds, a truss of old hay equalled 56 pounds, a truss of new hay equalled 60 pounds, and 36 trusses equalled one load.
• A bundle; a package.
• A padded jacket or dress worn under armour, to protect the body from the effects of friction.
• Part of a woman's dress; a stomacher.
• A tuft of flowers or cluster of fruits formed at the top of the main stem of certain plants.
• The rope or iron used to keep the centre of a yard to the mast.

Verb

• tie the wings and legs of a bird before cooking it
• secure with or as if with ropes
• support structurally
  • "truss the roofs"
  • "trussed bridges"
• To tie up a bird before cooking it.
• To secure or bind with ropes.
• To support.
• To take fast hold of; to seize and hold firmly; to pounce upon.
• To strengthen or stiffen, as a beam or girder, by means of a brace or braces.
• To execute by hanging; to hang; usually with up.

Synonyms

bind, corbel, forhang, Guy Fawkes, hang, ketch, scrag, send to the scaffold, stretch, string up, tie down, tie up, truss, tuck up