I. noun
or tres·sel ˈtresəl
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English trestel, from Middle French, modification (influenced by Old French treste, trestre trestle, variant of traste, trastre, from Latin transtrum crossbeam) of (assumed) Vulgar Latin transtellum trestle, from Latin transtillum, diminutive of transtrum crossbeam, transom — more at transom
1.
a. : a movable support or scaffolding usually having diagonally spreading legs : horse 2c
put boards on a trestle to saw them
painters at work on a trestle
b.
(1) : trestle table
(2) : a divided foot on a piece of furniture
(3) : a braced frame serving as a support (as for a table top or drawing board)
c. : a braced framework of timbers, piles, or steelwork usually of considerable height for carrying a road or railroad over a depression — compare viaduct
2.
a. archaic : a three-legged stool or support : tripod
b. : a low usually three-legged stool or bench used as a heraldic bearing
II. transitive verb
( trestled ; trestled ; trestling -s(ə)liŋ ; trestles )
: to set on or support by means of trestles