TRUSS, noun

1. In a general sense, a bundle; as a truss of hay or straw. A truss of hay in England is half a hundred. A truss of straw is of different weights in different places.

2. In surgery, a bandage or apparatus used in cases of ruptures, to keep up the reduced parts and hinder further protrusion, and for other purposes.

3. Among botanists, a truss or bunch is a tuft of flowers formed at the top of the main stalk or stem of certain plants.

4. In navigation, a machine to pull a lower yard close to its mast and retain it firmly in that position.

5. [See Trous.]

TRUSS, verb transitive To bind or pack close.

1. To skewer; to make fast.

To truss up, to strain; to make close or tight.