1. Also called raising plate . Building Trades. a horizontal member built into or laid along the top of a wall to support and distribute the pressure from joists, rafters, etc.
2. Mach. a vertical metal plate secured against a wall, as to attach a bracket.
3. Mining. one of the longer members of a set. Cf. end plate .
4. See switch plate .
[ 1350-1400; ME ]