1. A short horizontal timber or steel member placed on top of a column to support and decrease the span of beams or girders. 2. One of the rolls forming the sides of an Ionic capital, joining the volutes of the front and rear faces; a baluster or pulvinus. 3. In centering an arch, a crosspiece which connects the ribs and supports the voussoirs. 4.A blocking chisel for masonry work. 5. A horizontal piece of wood or a timber that caps a column, pillar, or post to provide greater bearing area for supporting a load imposed from above; often highly decorative.
