Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SUM'MER, n.³ [Fr. somnier, a hair quilt, the sound-board of an organ, the winter and head of a printer's press, a large beam and a sumpter horse; W. sumer, that which supports or keeps together, a summer. From the latter explanation, we may infer that summer is from the root of sum.]

1. A large stone, the first that is laid over columns and pilasters, beginning to make a cross vault; or a stone laid over a column, and hollowed to receive the first haunce of a platband. – Cyc.
2. A large timber supported on two stone piers or posts, serving as a lintel to a door or window, &c. – Cyc.
3. A large timber or beam laid as a central floor timber, inserted into the girders, and receiving the ends of the joists and supporting them. This timber is seen in old buildings in America and in France. In America, it is wholly laid aside. It is called in England summer-tree.