truss

Etymology

From Old French trousse. Doublet of trousse.

noun

1. A bandage and belt used to hold a hernia in place.
   A truss may keep the abdominal contents from protruding into the hernial sac; however, this won't cure the hernia. 2008, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, chapter 4, in Professional Guide to Diseases, page 280
2. (architecture) A structure made up of one or more triangular units made from straight beams of wood or metal, which is used to support a structure as in a roof or bridge.
3. (architecture) A triangular bracket.
4. An old English farming measurement. One truss of straw equalled 36 pounds, a truss of old hay equalled 56 pounds, a truss of new hay equalled 60 pounds, and 36 trusses equalled one load.
5. (obsolete) A bundle; a package.
6. (historical) A padded jacket or dress worn under armour, to protect the body from the effects of friction.
7. (historical) Part of a woman's dress; a stomacher.
8. (botany) A tuft of flowers or cluster of fruits formed at the top of the main stem of certain plants.
9. (nautical) The rope or iron used to keep the centre of a yard to the mast.

verb

1. (transitive) To tie up a bird before cooking it.
2. (transitive) To secure or bind with ropes.
3. (transitive) To support.
4. To take fast hold of; to seize and hold firmly; to pounce upon.
5. To strengthen or stiffen, as a beam or girder, by means of a brace or braces.
6. (slang, archaic) To execute by hanging; to hang; usually with up.