Ridgepole (noun)

A long, slender, horizontal beam laid on the ridge of a roof to support the roof covering.

Origin:

From middle english, from old english ridgpol.

Examples:

1. The carpenter carefully balanced on the ridgepole while he worked to fix the roof tiles.
2. The ridgepole was secured in place with metal brackets and heavy-duty nails.
3. The homeowners decided to replace the old, rotting ridgepole with a newer, more durable one.
4. In some cultures, the ridgepole of a roof is considered to be an important architectural feature.
5. The ridgepole was painted bright red to match the trim on the house and add a pop of color.