crosstree

[ kraws-tree, kros- ]

noun

1. Nautical. either of a pair of timbers or metal bars placed athwart the trestletrees at a masthead to spread the shrouds leading to the mast above, or on the head of a lower mast to support the platform or top.
2. Carpentry. a heavy crossbeam.

crosstree

/ ˈkrɒsˌtriː /

noun

1. nautical either of a pair of wooden or metal braces on the head of a mast to support the topmast, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of crosstree¹

First recorded in 1620–30; cross- + tree

Example Sentences

"Get out, you blockheads," she exclaimed, and mounted on the waggon, pushing the men to right and left out of her way; then drawing in the rope, she pulled up the crosstree, seized hold of one end of it with both her rounded arms, and with a single jerk hoisted it on to the waggon.

From Project Gutenberg

In her right hand she held a trumpet to her lips, and in her left she carried a crosstree, the framework of a trophy.

From Project Gutenberg

"Jack Crosstree, that old fisherman."

From Project Gutenberg

"Who is Jack Crosstree?" asked Captain Green, when the students had passed out of hearing.

From Project Gutenberg

Jack Crosstree, as he called himself, had been in Newport about six months, and during that time he had shunned every body except the students, who paid frequent visits to his cabin to listen to his stories, when he happened to be in the humor to tell them, and to purchase specimens of his handiwork in the shape of models of yawls, jolly-boats, and full-rigged ships.

From Project Gutenberg