WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Tran"som
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [Probably fr. L. transtrum a crossbeam, transom, from trans across. Cf. Trestle.]
Definition : 1. (Arch.)

Defn: A horizontal crossbar in a window, over a door, or between a door and a window above it. Transom is the horizontal, as mullion is the vertical, bar across an opening. See Illust. of Mullion.

2. (Naut.)

Defn: One of the principal transverse timbers of the stern, bolted to the sternpost and giving shape to the stern structure; -- called also transsummer.

3. (Gun.)

Defn: The piece of wood or iron connecting the cheeks of some gun carriages.

4. (Surg.)

Defn: The vane of a cross-staff. Chambers.

5. (Railroad)

Defn: One of the crossbeams connecting the side frames of a truck with each other. Transom knees (Shipbuilding), knees bolted to the transoms and after timbers. -- Transom window. (Arch.) (a) A window divided horizontally by a transom or transoms. (b) A window over a door, with a transom between.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913