n. In architecture, a long piece of stone, wood, or metal, or a construction of wood or metal, or combining wood and metal, used in a horizontal position, usually in combination with others like it, all being generally laid parallel to one another, and at regular intervals, to support weight, or, as a tie-beam or a collar-beam, to resist two opposite forces either pulling or compressing it in the direction of its length.n. A long piece fixed or movable in a structure, machine, or tool: often equivalent to girder.n. The pole of a carriage which runs between the horses.n. A cylindrical piece of wood, making part of a loom, on which weavers wind the warp before weaving; also, the cylinder on which the cloth is rolled as it is woven.n. The straight part or shank of an anchor.n. One of the strong transverse pieces of timber or iron stretching across a ship from one side to the other, to support the decks and retain the sides at their proper distance.n. The main piece of a plow, in which the plow-tails are fixed, and by which it is drawn.n. The oscillating lever of a steam-engine reciprocating upon a center, and forming the medium of communication between the piston-rod and the crank-shaft. Also called working-beam or walking-beam. See cut under atmospheric.n. The widest part of a ship's hull; the extreme breadth of a ship: from the beams extending quite across the vessel where it is broadest: as, a steamer of fifty feet beam.n. The main stem of a deer's horns bearing the snags or antlers. One of the snags themselves is sometimes called the beam-antler. See antler.n. A ray of light, or more strictly a collection of parallel rays of light, emitted from the sun or other luminous body.n. Figuratively, a ray or emanation of splendor: as, “beams of majesty,”n. Same as rood-beam.To shed rays of light upon; irradiate.To shoot forth or emit, as or like beams or rays: as, to beam love upon a person.To furnish or supply with beams; give the appearance of beams to.In currying, to stretch on the beam, as a hide.In weaving, to put on the beam, as a chain or web.To emit beams or rays of light; shed or give out radiance, literally or figuratively; shine.n. In lace-manuf., a tin drum of small diameter, varying in length with the width of the machine, upon which the yarn is wound.n. In currying, an inclined table or stand on which the skin is placed while it is beamed or scraped.To burnish, as morocco leather, with a beaming-machine; also, in currying, to flesh or shave on the flesh side.