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definitions

king post

or king·post, king-post

noun
  1. a structural member running vertically between the apex and base of a triangular roof truss.
  2. Machinery. a rotating or stationary column for supporting tackle or booms used in lifting.

Origin of king post

First recorded in 1770–80
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for king post

Historical Examples of king post

  • The 'king-post' reached from the centre of the tie-beam to the point of the roof.

    Cheshire

    Charles E. Kelsey

  • Like a battering ram, this king-post could be driven end-onward against the mighty red-iridescent sphere.

    The Red One

    Jack London

  • But the old style of king-post, queen-post, or hammer-beam roof was prevalent.

  • Sometimes the roof was held up by a single 'king-post' in place of two queen-posts.

    Cheshire

    Charles E. Kelsey

  • The cross rail, or transom, is strengthened by braces and a king-post to make it lighter and cheaper.

British Dictionary definitions for king post

king post

noun
  1. a vertical post connecting the apex of a triangular roof truss to the tie beamAlso called: joggle post Compare queen post
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012