transom Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a window above a door that is usually hinged to a horizontal crosspiece over the door
fanlight; transom window.
noun a horizontal crosspiece across a window or separating a door from a window over it
traverse.

Probably fr. L. transtrum a crossbeam, transom, from trans across. Cf. Trestle.

(Arch.) A horizontal crossbar in a window, over a door, or between a door and a window above it. Transom is the horizontal, as mullion is the vertical, bar across an opening. See Illust. of Mullion.
(Naut.) One of the principal transverse timbers of the stern, bolted to the sternpost and giving shape to the stern structure; -- called also transsummer.
(Gun.) The piece of wood or iron connecting the cheeks of some gun carriages.
(Surg.) The vane of a cross-staff. Chambers.
(Railroad) One of the crossbeams connecting the side frames of a truck with each other.