1. the main horizontal beam at the ridge of a roof that supports the rafters
Usage: architectural; plural of rooftree
2. homes or households considered collectively
Usage: literary; figurative

Examples

• The carpenter carefully positioned the rooftrees before installing the rafters.
• Strong rooftrees are essential for supporting the weight of heavy snow.
• The old barn’s rooftrees had weathered decades of storms.
• Many rooftrees in the village were damaged by the hurricane.
• The poem spoke of humble rooftrees sheltering families through winter.
• Ancient rooftrees tell the story of generations who lived beneath them.