breastsummer

[bres-suhm-er, brest-, bres-uh-mer]

noun

Architecture.

1. a horizontal beam supporting an exterior wall over an opening, as a shop window.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breastsummer¹

First recorded in 1605–15; breast + summer ²

Example Sentences

Note the long carved breastsummer that supports the overhanging upper story.

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Upstairs in the big bedchamber is a ceiling of beams worked in bold roll mouldings; and there is an exquisite little parlour, lined with linen fold panels, with a breastsummer carved with strange animals.

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