I. raf·ter ˈraf-tər noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ræfter; akin to Old Norse raptr rafter
Date: before 12th century
: any of the parallel beams that support a roof
• raf·tered -tərd adjective
II. raft·er ˈraf-tər noun
Etymology: raft (II)
Date: 1809
1. : one who maneuvers logs into position and binds them into rafts
2. : one who travels by raft