A horizontal structural member in the
framing, 3 of an early
timber-framed house, typically supporting the ends of the ceiling joists and acting as the main horizontal support for the floor above; often located about halfway between the
groundsill,
2 and the horizontal timber at the top of the wall (the
top plate) The term
girt often is preceded by an adjective indicating its position; for example,
front girt denotes a heavy timber that runs horizontally along the front of the house;
rear girt denotes a heavy timber that runs horizontally along the rear face of the house;
chimney girt denotes a heavy timber that acts a main horizontal support between
chimney posts. See illustration under
timber-framed house.