jack rafter

noun

One of the shorter rafters used in constructing a hip roof.

Meanings

nounjack rafter (plural jack rafters)

plural jack rafters

  1. UKOne of the shorter rafters used in constructing a hip roof.
  2. USAny secondary roof timber, such as the common rafters resting on purlins in a trussed roof; also, one of the pieces simulating extended rafters, used under the eaves in some styles of building.
Cite this entry
APA

jack rafter. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/jack%20rafter

MLA

“jack rafter.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/jack%20rafter. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “jack rafter,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/jack%20rafter.

Source: jack rafter on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.