Lintel (l&ibreve_;nt&ebreve_;l), n. [OF. lintel, F. linteau, LL. lintellus, for limitellus, a dim. fr. L. limes limit. See Limit.] (Arch.) A horizontal member spanning an opening, and carrying the superincumbent weight by means of its strength in resisting crosswise fracture.
[1913 Webster]