n. & v.
--n.
1. a framework, e.g. of rafters and struts, supporting a roof or bridge etc.
2 a surgical appliance worn to support a hernia.
3 Brit. a bundle of old hay (56 lb.) or new hay (60 lb.) or straw (36 lb.).
4 a compact terminal cluster of flowers or fruit.
5 a large corbel supporting a monument etc.
6 Naut. a heavy iron ring securing the lower yards to a mast.
--v.tr.
1. tie up (a fowl) compactly for cooking.
2 (often foll. by up) tie (a person) up with the arms to the sides.
3 support (a roof or bridge etc.) with a truss or trusses.
Derivatives:
trusser n.
Etymology: ME f. OF trusser (v.), trusse (n.), of unkn. orig.