ridgepole

[ rij-pohl ]

/ ˈrɪdʒˌpoʊl /

the horizontal timber or member at the top of a roof, to which the upper ends of the rafters are fastened.

Also called ridge·piece

[rij-pees] /ˈrɪdʒˌpis/, ridge board.

Origin of ridgepole

First recorded in 1780–90; ridge + pole¹

ridge·poled, adjective

The 5-foot ridgepole of the steep, heavy, grass roof is supported by two posts rising from the basal timbers of the third story.

The Bontoc Igorot |Albert Ernest Jenks
The ridgepole came crashing down, bringing part of the roof and ceiling with it.

I Married a Ranger |Dama Margaret Smith
From there he gained the roof of a chicken-house, passed over the ridgepole and dropped to the ground inside.

White Fang |Jack London
Above it was a sort of ridgepole, which had supported the tent.

Gold-Seeking on the Dalton Trail |Arthur R. Thompson

We stuffed burlap into the hole about the ridgepole, an that night bein Christmas eve, we all gathered in and held festivities.

Friar Tuck |Robert Alexander Wason

ridgepole

/ (ˈrɪdʒˌpəʊl) /

a timber laid along the ridge of a roof, to which the upper ends of the rafters are attached

the horizontal pole at the apex of a tent