1. horizontal wooden beams placed directly on the ground or foundation to support a structure
Usage: construction; architecture
2. the lowest social class; people considered to be at the bottom of society
Usage: derogatory; historical

Examples

• The carpenter installed pressure-treated mudsills before framing the house.
• Proper mudsills are essential for preventing moisture damage to the structure.
• The foundation crew leveled the mudsills carefully before proceeding.
• He checked that the mudsills were square before starting the wall framing.
• The politician’s comment about ‘mudsills’ caused considerable controversy.
• In the 19th century, some used the term mudsills to describe working-class people.