Lintel \Lin"tel\ (l[i^]n"t[e^]l), n. [OF. lintel, F. linteau, LL. lintellus, for limitellus, a dim. fr. L. limes limit. See Limit.]

(Arch.) A horizontal member spanning an opening, and carrying the superincumbent weight by means of its strength in resisting crosswise fracture.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)