truss

[truhs] /trʌs/
verb (used with object)
1.
to tie, bind, or fasten.
2.
to make fast with skewers, thread, or the like, as the wings or legs of a fowl in preparation for cooking.
3.
to furnish or support with a truss or trusses.
4.
to tie or secure (the body) closely or tightly; bind (often followed by up).
5.
Falconry. (of a hawk, falcon, etc.) to grasp (prey) firmly.
noun
6.
Civil Engineering, Building Trades.
  1. any of various structural frames based on the geometric rigidity of the triangle and composed of straight members subject only to longitudinal compression, tension, or both: functions as a beam or cantilever to support bridges, roofs, etc.
    Compare complete (def 8), incomplete (def 3), redundant (def 5c).
  2. any of various structural frames constructed on principles other than the geometric rigidity of the triangle or deriving stability from other factors, as the rigidity of joints, the abutment of masonry, or the stiffness of beams.
7.
Medicine/Medical. an apparatus consisting of a pad usually supported by a belt for maintaining a hernia in a reduced state.
8.
Horticulture. a compact terminal cluster or head of flowers growing upon one stalk.
9.
Nautical. a device for supporting a standing yard, having a pivot permitting the yard to swing horizontally when braced.
10.
a collection of things tied together or packed in a receptacle; bundle; pack.
11.
Chiefly British. a bundle of hay or straw, especially one containing about 56 pounds (25.4 kg) of old hay, 60 pounds (27.2 kg) of new hay, or 36 pounds (16.3 kg) of straw.
Origin
1175-1225; (v.) Middle English trussen < Old French tr(o)usser, variant of torser, probably < Vulgar Latin *torsāre, derivative of *torsus, for Latin tortus past participle of torquere to twist, wind, wrap; (noun) Middle English: bundle < Old French trousse, torse, derivative of torser
Related forms
trusser, noun
undertruss, verb (used with object)
Examples from the web for truss
  • truss is a self-appointed grammar fiend whose book-jacket photograph.
  • Here we're raising the truss with some borrowed ladders and volunteer help.
  • If roasting on the hearth, truss bird and place on spit, skewering to secure it.
  • Two giant pilings were then sunk into the seafloor at either end of the sub to provide footings for the truss.
  • The towers on the east span are connected to steel truss members, not a suspension cable.
  • However if you want to truss and it doesn't seem to make a difference in timing, you might as well.
  • Adjust the seasonings and stuff and truss the chicken.
  • Stuff the goose with the stuffing mixture and truss.
British Dictionary definitions for truss

truss

/trʌs/
verb (transitive)
1.
(sometimes foll by up) to tie, bind, or bundle: to truss up a prisoner
2.
to fasten or bind the wings and legs of (a fowl) before cooking to keep them in place
3.
to support or stiffen (a roof, bridge, etc) with structural members
4.
(informal) to confine (the body or a part of it) in tight clothes
5.
(falconry) (of falcons) to hold (the quarry) in the stoop without letting go
6.
(med) to supply or support with a truss
noun
7.
a structural framework of wood or metal, esp one arranged in triangles, used to support a roof, bridge, etc
8.
(med) a device for holding a hernia in place, typically consisting of a pad held in position by a belt
9.
(horticulture) a cluster of flowers or fruit growing at the end of a single stalk
10.
(nautical) a metal fitting fixed to a yard at its centre for holding it to a mast while allowing movement
11.
(architect) another name for corbel
12.
a bundle or pack
13.
(mainly Brit) a bundle of hay or straw, esp one having a fixed weight of 36, 56, or 60 pounds
Derived Forms
trusser, noun
Word Origin
C13: from Old French trousse, from trousser, apparently from Vulgar Latin torciāre (unattested), from torca (unattested) a bundle, torch
Word Origin and History for truss
n.

c.1200, "collection of things bound together," from Old French trousse, torse, of unknown origin, perhaps from Vulgar Latin *torciare "to twist." Meaning "surgical appliance to support a rupture, etc." first attested 1540s. Sense of "framework for supporting a roof or bridge" is first recorded 1650s.

v.

c.1200, "to load, load up," from Anglo-French trusser, Old French trusser "to load, pack, fasten" (11c.), from Old French trousse (see truss (n.)). Related: Trussed; trussing.

truss in Medicine

truss (trŭs)
n.
A supportive device, usually consisting of a pad with a belt, worn to prevent enlargement of a hernia or the return of a reduced hernia. v. trussed, truss·ing, truss·es
To support or brace with a truss.