What does "gambrel" mean?

Gambrel: A stick crooked like a horse's hind leg; -- used by butchers in suspending slaughtered animals. Gambrel roof (Arch.), a curb roof having the same section in all parts, with a lower steeper slope and an upper and flatter one, so that each gable is pentagonal in form.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To truss or hang up by means of a gambrel. Beau. & Fl.

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