See also: crosstrees

English

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Noun

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cross-trees pl (plural only)

  1. (nautical) Two horizontal beams at the top of the lower and top masts, used to spread rigging and as a standing place for sailors.
    • 1883, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island:
      Quick as thought, I sprang into the mizzen shrouds, rattled up hand over hand, and did not draw a breath till I was seated on the cross-trees.