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

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

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

From Blister Jones by Hambridge, Jay

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 Mortimer, Favell Lee

A bird's mouth joint is an angular notch cut in a timber to allow it to fit snugly over the member on which it rests.

From Handwork in Wood by Noyes, William

Then the moon jumps out of the bird's mouth and runs away.

From Philippine Folk-Tales by Millington, W. H.