purlin

or pur·line

[ pur-lin ]
/ ˈpɜr lɪn /

noun

a longitudinal member in a roof frame, usually for supporting common rafters or the like between the plate and the ridge.

Origin of purlin

1400–50; late Middle English purlyn, purloyne, akin to Anglo-Latin perliō; of uncertain origin

British Dictionary definitions for purlin

purlin

purline

/ (ˈpɜːlɪn) /

noun

a horizontal beam that provides intermediate support for the common rafters of a roof construction

Word Origin for purlin

C15: of uncertain origin