{n} a lintel over a doorcase, a beam across the stern post of a ship, or accross a window, vane of a cross-staff
(Mimarlık) In architecture, a transom is the term given to a transverse horizontal structural beam or bar, or to the crosspiece separating a door or the like from a window above it, as opposed to a mullion which refers to a vertical structural member. Transom is also the customary U.S. word used for a transom light, the window over this crosspiece. In Britain, the 'transom light' above a door is usually referred to as a "fanlight" if a semi-elliptical shape, and occasionally as an "overlight" or "hopper", or by the French word "vasistas"
1 A horizontal bar of wood or stone across a window 2 The cross-bar separating a door from the window, panel, or fanlight above it 3 The window above the transom bar of a door
A window mounted above a door or another window Transoms usually occur above head height
The transverse, vertical or sloping, panel forming the after end of a boat's hull Double-enders like canoes and peapods have no transom
Small, usually rectangular or fanlight window over a door Some transoms open to cross-ventilate a home, while others are only decorative
A horizontal crossbar in a window, over a door, or between a door and a window above it
A small opening above a door or window separated by a horizontal member that usually contains a sash or a louver panel hinged to the transom bar Transoms, or fan lights, were first used in the 18th century on exterior doors They increased the amount of light let into the front hall, and because of them, the size of the front door could be reduced They probably encouraged the Victorian use of stained glass for front doors
The flat rear end of a boat, the upper part of which tends to lean forward on modern racers
A horizontal transverse beam or bar in a frame; a crosspiece separating a door or the like from a window or fanlight above it Also, a window above a door or other window, built on and commonly hinged to a transom
[ 'tran(t)-s&m ] (noun.) 15th century. Middle English traunsom, transyn, probably alteration of traversayn, from Middle French traversin, from traverse traverse.