THRESHOLD

noun Etymology: Middle English thresshold, from Old English threscwald; akin to Old Norse threskjǫldr ~, Old English threscan to thresh Date: before 12th century the plank, stone, or piece of timber that lies under a door ; sill , 2. gate , door , b. end , boundary , the place or point of entering or beginning ; outset , 3. the point at which a physiological or psychological effect begins to be produced , a level, point, or value above which something is true or will take place and below which it is not or will not