Trabeation
/ˌtreɪ.biˈeɪ.ʃən/noun
An architectural system in which horizontal beams or lintels rest on vertical supports such as columns or walls.
Did you know?The term ultimately invokes the ancient Latin image of the trabs, a massive timber beam, linking architectural order to the primal act of spanning space with wood.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*treb-
“A proposed root associated with a dwelling, structure, or wooden beam; the reconstruction is not certain.”
Classical Latin
Latin
trabs
“A beam, timber, or wooden building member.”
Late Latin
Latin
trabeatus
“Provided with or characterized by beams; related to trabs.”
18th Century
French/English
trabeation
“An architectural arrangement using beams and supporting members.”
Modern English
English
trabeation
“The beam-and-support system of classical architecture.”
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