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Glite Dictionary
crosstree

crosstree

9.9
A horizontal beam attached across a ship's mast that supports the ropes holding the sails and gives sailors a platform
  • noun
  • Archaic
translation icon : cruzeta
  • The sailor climbed up to the crosstree to adjust the sails.

Examples

  • From the crosstree, she had a clear view of the horizon and approaching ships.

  • The sailor climbed up to the crosstree to adjust the sails.

  • The old ship's crosstrees were made of sturdy oak to withstand strong winds.

  • The crosstree is essential for sailing.

  • The sailor carefully climbed to the crosstree to adjust the rigging.

  • From the crosstree, he had a clear view of the horizon.

  • The crew used the crosstree as a platform while hoisting the sails.

Synonyms

crossbeam
vscrosstree
  • Specialized
2 4.4

A horizontal beam that supports parts of a building, like a roof

is fixed on a mast to hold rigging and form a small platform
crossbar
vscrosstree
1 3.1

A bar that goes across and connects two posts for support

is a mast cross fitted to support rigging and provide a working platform
crosspiece
vscrosstree
1 6.7

A horizontal piece of wood or metal that connects and supports two parts

is attached to a mast and used also as a work platform for sailors
traverse
vscrosstree
  • Specialized
7.4

A horizontal beam that goes across a structure, often above a door

is a ship beam that also supports rigging and a sailor platform

Surface Forms

crosstree singular
crosstrees plural

Morphology

crosstree = cross + tree (opaque) = cross + tree

Though composed of recognizable words, 'tree' here has a specialized/archaic nautical sense ('spar' or timber) so learners cannot reliably infer the maritime meaning from the parts.

Etymology

Crosstree comes from the simple parts cross and tree, where tree here means 'wood' or a 'wooden beam'. So a crosstree is the 'cross' piece of 'wood' fixed across a mast to hold the ropes and give sailors a small platform.