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

Age-old construction techniques, like a “bird’s mouth” joint cut, securely bind the hefty beams.

From Washington Times

As they try to yank a berry from a baby bird’s mouth, they crash to earth.

From New York Times

In the gap of the bird’s mouth, we can see just a hint of breath, a tiny drift of puffin-fog, suspended in the cold air.

From New York Times

A Canadian flag was stuck in the bird’s mouth, and hand-lettered signs were taped up reading “Congrats James” and “Big Maple with a no-hitter,” a reference to Paxton’s nickname, and the large maple leaf tattoo on his right forearm.

From Seattle Times

When we see how Spinney works — with his left hand operating Big Bird’s mouth, his pinky flicking the eyelids up and down, and his right hand flapping the right wing, all inside a suit that’s as hot as a down jacket — it’s no wonder that, at Spinney’s age, Big Bird seems to be walking with a bit of a stoop in his neck these days.

From Washington Post