rafter

Etymology 1

From Old English ræfter, of Germanic origin, related to the origin of raft.

noun

1. (architecture) One of a series of sloped beams that extend from the ridge or hip to the downslope perimeter or eave, designed to support the roof deck and its associated loads.
2. (collective) A flock of turkeys.

verb

1. (transitive) To make (timber, etc.) into rafters.
2. (transitive) To furnish (a building) with rafters.
3. (UK, agriculture) To plough so as to turn the grass side of each furrow upon an unploughed ridge; to ridge.

Etymology 2

raft + -er

noun

1. A raftsman.