ridgepole

• ridge pole

From ridge +‎ pole.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈɹɪdʒpəʊl/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈɹɪdʒˌpoʊl/

ridgepole (plural ridgepoles)

1. A beam along the ridge of a roof to which the rafters are attached. [from 17th c.]

   Synonyms: ridgeboard, ridgepiece

   • 1952, Doris Lessing, Martha Quest, Panther, published 1974, page 21:

     In the middle of the floor was a pole of tough thornwood, to hold the end of the ridgepole.

2. A horizontal pole that supports the roof of a ridge tent [from 18th c.].

• pergolide