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truss

noun

  1. structure that consists of two-force members only
L28975 on Wikidata ↗

verb

  1. to tie or bind securely; to install and fasten supportive beams (trusses)
L28976 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /tɹʌs/ / /tɹʊs/

name

Etymology: From Old French trousse (“bundle, pack”), a metonymic occupational surname for a peddler.

  1. A surname from Old French.

    “In her speech to the Atlantic Council, Truss will say: “Putin has launched a full-frontal assault not just on the Ukrainian people, but also on the very foundation of our societies and the rules by which we coexist – sovereignty, democracy, the UN charter.”

noun

Etymology: From Middle English trusse, from Old French trousse, torse, from Vulgar Latin *torsus, variant of Classical Latin tortus, past participle of torqueō. Doublet of torse and trousse.

  1. A bandage and belt used to hold a hernia in place.

    “A truss may keep the abdominal contents from protruding into the hernial sac; however, this won't cure the hernia.”

  2. 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.

    “The weight of the wrought-ironwork in each of the trusses is 460 tons, inclusive of the longitudinal and cross girders weighing 130 tons.”

  3. A triangular bracket.
  4. 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.
  5. A bundle; a package.

    “bearing a truss of trifles at his back”

  6. A padded jacket or dress worn under armour, to protect the body from the effects of friction.

    “Puts off his palmer's weed unto his truss, which bore / The stains of ancient arms.”

  7. Part of a woman's dress; a stomacher.
  8. A tuft of flowers or cluster of fruits formed at the top of the main stem of certain plants.
  9. The rope or iron used to keep the centre of a yard to the mast.

verb

Etymology: From Middle English trussen, from Old French trousser.

  1. To tie up a bird before cooking it.
  2. To secure or bind with ropes.

    “Very largely haue I inueighed againſt this vice [gluttony] elſvvhere, vvherefore heere I vvill truſſe it vp more ſurcinct;^([sic – meaning succinct]) […]”

  3. To support.
  4. To take fast hold of; to seize and hold firmly; to pounce upon.

    “who trussing me as eagle doth his prey”

  5. To strengthen or stiffen, as a beam or girder, by means of a brace or braces.
  6. To execute by hanging; to hang; usually with up.

    “If they must truss me, I will repent of nothing”