貫ぬき

noun

crosspiece; penetrating tie beam

In traditional Japanese architecture, a horizontal timber that passes through pillars to tie them together. Often seen in temple and shrine construction.

• このお寺てらの柱はしらには、太ふとい貫ぬきが通とおっている。

  Thick penetrating tie beams run through the pillars of this temple.

• 貫ぬきは、柱はしら同どう士しをしっかりとつなぐ役やく割わりを果はたす。

  The crosspiece serves to firmly connect the pillars to each other.