trestle

American  

[tres-uhl] / ˈtrɛs əl /

noun

1. a frame typically composed of a horizontal bar or beam rigidly joined or fitted at each end to the top of a transverse A-frame, used as a barrier, a transverse support for planking, etc.; horse.

2. Civil Engineering.

   1. one of a number of bents, having sloping sides of framework or piling, for supporting the deck or stringers of a bridge.

   2. a bridge made of these.

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trestle British  

/ ˈtrɛsəl /

noun

1. a framework in the form of a horizontal member supported at each end by a pair of splayed legs, used to carry scaffold boards, a table top, etc

2. 1. a braced structural tower-like framework of timber, metal, or reinforced concrete that is used to support a bridge or ropeway

   2. a bridge constructed of such frameworks

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Etymology

Origin of trestle

1300–50; Middle English trestel < Middle French, by dissimilation from Old French trestre ≪ Latin trānstrum crossbeam

Explanation

A trestle is a special kind of tower built to support a bridge. A "trestle bridge" will usually have a trestle on each side, and there might be more trestles if the bridge is particularly heavy or long. Engineers need to carefully design the trestles so they will hold up the bridge when it's full of traffic. Modern trestles are usually built of concrete or steel, while older ones are often wooden.

Example Sentences

"It was waiter service when it first started and everyone came and sat at long trestle tables and they were served their pie and It took time when it was busy," Linda says.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2024

Along with the trestle, it destroyed a residence, damaged another and burned down 24 outbuildings.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2023

The railroad crosses sensitive marine ecosystems over a swing bridge over the Swinomish Channel, near the site of last week’s wreck; and a trestle across Padilla Bay within the reservation.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 23, 2023

Not far away, Jake had created a room without a roof between two trestle pilings, complete with sofa, table and work space for an artist.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2023

He stands near one of the long trestle tables, and even in the cramped hall, there is space around him, as though no one dares get too close.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black