The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Crosspiece \Cross"piece`\ (kr?s"p?s`; 115), n. 1. A piece of any structure which is fitted or framed crosswise. [1913 Webster] 2. (Naut.) A bar or timber connecting two knightheads or two bitts. [1913 Webster]WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
crosspiece n 1: a horizontal beam that extends across something [syn: trave, traverse, crossbeam, crosspiece] 2: a transverse brace