Emily Dickinson Lexicon

rafter (-s), n. [OE ræfter; see raft; NW says rafter, cover.] (webplay: building, roof).

1. Beam; girder; joist; supporting timber on the underside of a roof.
2. Support; [fig.] foundation; basis; tangible evidence; logical confirmation; reasonable grounds for belief.
3. Inner lid; coffin lining.