accouplement

American  

[uh-kuhp-uhl-muhnt] / əˈkʌp əl mənt /

noun

1. the act of coupling.

2. something that couples, especially a tie or brace in building.

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accouplement British  

/ əˈkʌpəlmənt /

noun

1. a timber joist or beam that serves as a tie or support

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Etymology

Origin of accouplement

1475–85; accouple (< Middle French accopler; ac-, couple ) + -ment -ment

Example Sentences

He proposed the "accouplement" of A.F.L. and C.I.O., cynically putting his old friend Phil Murray on the block.

From Time Magazine Archive

De quel accouplement fabuleux d'une limace et d'un paon, de quelles antithèses génésiaques, de quel suintement sébacé peut avoir été générée cette chose qu'on appelle M. Gustave Courbet?

From Project Gutenberg