Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Crosspiece \Cross"piece`\ (kr?s"p?s`; 115), n.
   1. A piece of any structure which is fitted or framed
      crosswise.

   2. (Naut.) A bar or timber connecting two knightheads or two
      bitts.

Source : WordNet®

crosspiece
     n 1: a horizontal beam that extends across something [syn: {trave},
           {traverse}, {crossbeam}]
     2: a transverse brace