truss
1. truss \'tr*s\ vt [ME trussen, fr. OF trousser] 1a: to secure tightly : BIND 1b: to arrange for cooking by binding close the wings or legs of (a fowl) 2: to support, strengthen, or stiffen by a truss - truss.er n 2. truss n 1: an iron band around a lower mast 2a: BRACKET 2b: an assemblage of members (as beams) forming a rigid framework 3: a device worn to hold a hernia in place 4: a compact flower or fruit cluster