crosspiece

noun — 2 senses

crosspiece

noun

Etymology From cross- + piece.

1

A horizontal or transverse beam or similar member that extends across or perpendicular to something.

2

Nautical, Transport A bar or timber connecting two knightheads or two bitts; a timber over the windlass, with pins for belaying the running rigging.

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.