lintel

[lin-tl] /ˈlɪn tl/

noun

a horizontal architectural member supporting the weight above an opening, as a window or a door.

Also, British, lintol.

Origin

1350-1400; Middle English lyntel < Middle French lintel, dissimilated variant of *linter < Latin līmitāris orig., belonging to or indicating a boundary; later taken as synonym of līmināris orig., of the threshold. See limit, -ar¹

British Dictionary definitions for lintel

lintel

/ˈlɪntəl/

noun

a horizontal beam, as over a door or window

Word Origin

C14: via Old French probably from Late Latin līmitāris (unattested) of the boundary, influenced in meaning by līminaris of the threshold

Word Origin and History for lintel

early 14c., from Old French lintel "threshold" (13c., Modern French linteau), of uncertain origin, probably a variant of lintier, from Vulgar Latin *limitaris "threshold," from Latin limitaris (adj.) "that is on the border," from limes (genitive limitis) "border, boundary" (see limit (n.)). Altered by influence of Latin limen "threshold."

lintel in the Bible

(1.) Heb. mashkoph, a projecting cover (Ex. 12:22, 23; ver. 7, "upper door post," but R.V. "lintel"); the head-piece of a door, which the Israelites were commanded to mark with the blood of the paschal lamb. (2.) Heb. kaphtar. Amos 9:1; Zeph. 2:14 (R.V. correctly "chapiters," as in A.V. marg.).