ˈcross-tongue
[cross- 4 a.]
A cross-grained tongue of wood used to give extra strength to a joint in woodwork. Hence ˈcross-tongue v. trans., to provide with a cross-tongue.
| 1876 Encycl. Brit. IV. 489/2 Surfaces..formed of inch or inch and quarter boards joined with glue, and a cross or feather tongue ploughed into each joint. 1901 J. Black's Carp. & Build., Home Handicrafts 86 In the back and sides the grain of the wood runs vertically, the back being necessarily cross-tongued in two places. 1904 Goodchild & Tweney Technol. & Sci. Dict. 141/1 Cross tongue, a thin slip of wood with the grain at right angles to its length. |