| 1. | Also called raising plate. Building Trades. a horizontal member built into or laid along the top of a wall to support and distribute the pressure from joists, rafters, etc. |
| 2. | Machinery. a vertical metal plate secured against a wall, as to attach a bracket. |
| 3. | Mining. one of the longer members of a set. Compare end plate. |
| 4. | switch plate. |
| a plate, usually of metal, ceramic, or plastic, covering a switch so that the knob or toggle protrudes. |
| wall plate n.
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