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rafter

 - 6 dictionary results

raf⋅ter

1[raf-ter, rahf-]
–noun
1. any of a series of timbers or the like, usually having a pronounced slope, for supporting the sheathing and covering of a roof.
–verb (used with object)
2. British Dialect. to plow (a field) so that the soil of a furrow is pushed over onto an unplowed adjacent strip.

Origin:
bef. 900; ME; OE rǣfter; c. MLG rafter, ON raptr. See raft 1

raft⋅er

2[raf-ter, rahf-]
–noun
1. a person who engages in the sport or pastime of rafting.
2. a person who travels on a raft, esp. to flee a country.

raft⋅er

3[raf-ter, rahf-]
–noun
a flock, esp. of turkeys.

Origin:
raft 2 + -er 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To rafter
raft·er 1   (rāf'tər)   
n.  One who travels by raft.
raf·ter 2   (rāf'tər)   
n.  One of the sloping beams that supports a pitched roof.

[Middle English, from Old English ræfter.]
raf'tered adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

rafter 
"sloping timber of a roof," O.E. ræftras (W.Saxon), reftras (Mercian), both plural, related to O.N. raptr (see raft (1)), from P.Gmc. *raf-.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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