trusses

Noun

truss (plural trusses)

1. A bandage and belt used to hold a hernia in place.
   • A truss may keep the abdominal contents from protruding into the hernial sac; however, this won't cure the hernia.2008, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, chapter 4, in Professional Guide to Diseases, →ISBN, page 280
2. A structure made up of one or more triangular units made from straight beams of wood or metal, which is used to support a structure as in a roof or bridge.
   • The weight of the wrought-ironwork in each of the trusses is 460 tons, inclusive of the longitudinal and cross girders weighing 130 tons.1952 September, “Chepstow River Bridge Centenary”, in Railway Magazine, page 623
3. A triangular bracket.
4. An old English farming measurement. One truss of straw equalled 36 pounds, a truss of old hay equalled 56 pounds, a truss of new hay equalled 60 pounds, and 36 trusses equalled one load.
5. (obsolete) A bundle; a package.
   • bearing a truss of trifles at his back1579, Immeritô [pseudonym; Edmund Spenser], “May. Ægloga Quinta.”, in The Shepheardes Calender: […], London: […] Iohn Wolfe for Iohn Harrison the yonger, […], →OCLC
6. (historical) A padded jacket or dress worn under armour, to protect the body from the effects of friction.
   • Puts off his palmer's weed unto his truss, which bore / The stains of ancient arms.1612, Michael Drayton, “(please specify the chapter)”, in [John Selden], editor, Poly-Olbion. Or A Chorographicall Description of Tracts, Riuers, Mountaines, Forests, and Other Parts of this Renowned...

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