Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Transtrum

This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Rich, Anthony (1849). The illustrated companion to the Latin dictionary, and Greek lexicon. p. vi. OCLC 894670115. https://archive.org/details/illustratedcompa00rich. 

TRANSTRUM. In a general sense, any beam or plank laid horizontally over a void from wall to wall, to support a weight above, suspend other objects from, or as a tie-beam for strengthening the side rafters of a timber roof, when the space covered by it is of large dimensions. Festus, s. v. Plin. H. N. xxxiv. 32. Vitruv. iv. 2. 1.

2. Transtra, plural (τὰ σέλματα). The cross-benches upon which the rowers sat in large vessels where more than one man was employed at the same oar, stretching from the ribs of the vessel to another support within her waist, so that the requisite number could be accommodated on the same bench; but their length, position, and exact arrangement cannot be ascertained, with any pretence to authority, as we have no demonstrative evidence to illustrate the internal construction of the ancient ships. Festus, s. v. Virg. Aen. iv. 573.