bird's mouth

American  

noun

Carpentry.

1. a right-angled notch cut in the underside of a rafter for fitting over a longitudinal member, as a wall plate.

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Etymology

Origin of bird's mouth

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bird's mouth

In one motion, the boy on the raft snatched the fish from the bird’s mouth and threw it to the other boy on the boat.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan

He ended with a little strain of song, so sweet and pleading that Minnie could have kissed him for it, only, you know, a bird's mouth is rather sharp to kiss.

From Minnie; or, The Little Woman A Fairy Story by Caroline Snowden Guild

I seen the bird's mouth wide open as they come home, 'n' Joe has double wraps on him.

From Blister Jones by Jay Hambridge

This gum comes out of the bird's mouth, and is shining and transparent, and the nest sticks fast to the rock.

From Far Off by Favell Lee Mortimer

Oliver mildly replied that he had always heard a bird's mouth described by the word beak.

From Dickens' Stories About Children Every Child Can Read by Charles Dickens