DCHP-1 Online
rafter ((n.)) † Lumbering, Obs. 
1 n. a person employed in the rafting (def. 1) of timber.
See also: rafting (def. 1) raftsman
- 1864 (1955) At the bottom of each separate "shute" there is a wooden platform or "apron" upon which the rafters are precipitated, and so preserved from diving down under the surface by the impetus of their fall.
2 n. a person who rafts (def. 1).
See also: raft ((v.)) (def. 1)
- 1954 Rafters kept coming quite a while. They all finally got tired waiting for God to freeze the rivers again, and came down on rafts.
- 1864 (1955) At the bottom of each separate "shute" there is a wooden platform or "apron" upon which the rafters are precipitated, and so preserved from diving down under the surface by the impetus of their fall.