rafter/ˈɹɑːftəː/EtymologyFrom Old English ræfter, of Germanic origin, related to the origin of raft.rafter means A surname. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 81 out of 100.nameA surname.nounOne of a series of sloped beams that extend from the ridge or hip to the downslope perimeter or eave, designed to support the roof deck and its associated loads.“[…] the pigeons fluttered up to the rafters”A flock of turkeys.A raftsman.verbTo make (timber, etc.) into rafters.To furnish (a building) with rafters.To plough so as to turn the grass side of each furrow upon an unploughed ridge; to ridge.