truss

truss [trus]

vt.

[ME trussen < OFr trousser, to bundle together, pack < ? VL * torsare < * torsus, for L tortus, pp. of torquere, to twist: see TORT]

1. to tie, bind, or bundle: often with up

2. to skewer or bind the wings and legs of (a fowl) before cooking

3. to support or strengthen with a truss

n.

[ME trusse < OFr trousse < trousser]

1. a bundle or pack; specif., in England, a bundle of hay in any of various unit weights

2. an iron band around a mast, having a gooseneck for securing a yard

3. an architectural bracket or modillion

4. a flower cluster growing at the tip of a stem

5. a rigid framework of beams, girders, struts, bars, etc. for supporting a roof, bridge, etc.

6. an appliance for giving support in cases of rupture or hernia, usually consisting of a pad on a special belt

trusser

n.