rafter
1 of 2noun (1)
raf·ter ˈraf-tər 
: any of the parallel beams that support a roof
raftered
ˈraf-tərd
adjective rafter
2 of 2noun (2)
raft·er ˈraf-tər
1
: one who maneuvers logs into position and binds them into rafts
2
: one who travels by raft
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English, from Old English ræfter; akin to Old Norse raptr rafter
Noun (2)
raft entry 2
First Known Use
Noun (1)
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Noun (2)
1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
rafter
noun
raf·ter ˈraf-tər
: one of the usually sloping timbers that support a roof