trestle

Definition

A horizontal member supported near each end by a pair of divergent legs, such as sawhorses.

Etymology

From Middle English trestel, from Old French trestel (“crossbeam”) (French tréteau), from Latin trānstellum, diminutive of trānstrum.

Example Sentences

• "He turned the knob, but the door was locked. Retracing his steps past a vacant lot, the young man entered a shop where a colored man was employed in varnishing a coffin, which stood on two trestles in the middle of the floor."