'Rafter' definitions:

Definition of 'rafter'

From: WordNet
noun
One of several parallel sloping beams that support a roof [syn: rafter, balk, baulk]
noun
Someone who travels by raft [syn: raftsman, raftman, rafter]
verb
Provide (a ceiling) with rafters

Definition of 'Rafter'

From: GCIDE
  • Rafter \Raft"er\ (r[.a]ft"[~e]r), n. A raftsman. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Rafter'

From: GCIDE
  • Rafter \Raft"er\, n. [AS. r[ae]fter; akin to E. raft, n. See Raft.] (Arch.) Originally, any rough and somewhat heavy piece of timber. Now, commonly, one of the timbers of a roof which are put on sloping, according to the inclination of the roof. See Illust. of Queen-post. [1913 Webster]
  • [Courtesy] oft is sooner found in lowly sheds, With smoky rafters, than in tapestry halls. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Rafter'

From: GCIDE
  • Rafter \Raft"er\, v. t.
  • 1. To make into rafters, as timber. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To furnish with rafters, as a house. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Agric.) To plow so as to turn the grass side of each furrow upon an unplowed ridge; to ridge. [Eng.] [1913 Webster]