jamb

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   either vertical side of a doorway, window, fireplace, or other opening in a wall

   The force of the blow splintered the wooden door jamb.

Simplified etymology

Jamb came into late Middle English from Old French jambe, “leg,” which ultimately goes back to Greek kampē, “joint.” The sides of a doorway were likened to two legs supporting the lintel.

From Middle English jambe, through Old French from Late Latin gamba ("leg, shank"), ultimately related to Greek kampe ("bend"). The architectural sense treats the upright side of an opening as its supporting leg.

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External links

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