In architecture, a transom is the term given to a transverse beam or bar in a frame, or to the crosspiece separating a door or the like from a window or fanlight above it.[1] Transom is also the customary U.S. word used for a transom light, the window over this crosspiece.[1][2] In England, the transom above a door is usually referred to as a fanlight, and occasionally as an "overlight", or by the French word "vasistas".[3] The word "fanlight" derives from the fan-like shape of early transoms, which became a traditional part of the Georgian style.[4] "Vasistas" sounds similar to the German phrase "was ist das?" ("what is that?"); hence folk etymology ascribes its origin to a visiting German's reaction to seeing a transom during a trip to France.[5]
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History
In early Gothic ecclesiastical work, transoms are only found in belfry unglazed windows or spire lights, where they were deemed necessary to strengthen the mullions in the absence of the iron stay bars, which in glazed windows served a similar purpose. In the later Gothic, and more especially the Perpendicular Period, the introduction of transoms became common in windows of all kinds.[6]
Transom windows which could be opened to provide cross-ventilation while maintaining security and privacy (due to their small size and height above floor level) were a common feature of office buildings and apartments before air conditioning became common.
Idiomatic usage
- The phrase over the transom refers to works submitted for publication without being solicited. The image evoked is of a writer tossing a manuscript through the open window over the door of the publisher's office.[7]
- Similarly, the phrase is used to describe the means by which confidential documents, information or tips were delivered anonymously to someone who is not officially supposed to have them.[8]
- "Like pushing a piano through a transom" is a folk idiom used to describe something exceedingly difficult; its application to childbirth (and possibly its origin) has been attributed to Alice Roosevelt Longworth and Fannie Brice.
See also
References
- ^ a b "The Efficient Windows Collaborative: Glossary". http://www.efficientwindows.org/glossary.cfm#t. Retrieved 2007-12-13.
- ^ "What is a transom window?". Big Blue Window. http://www.bigbluewindow.com/faq.aspx#q50. Retrieved 2007-12-13.
- ^ "Euro Dictionary: Vasistas". http://www.eurodict.koralsoft.com/VASISTAS+searchid-70270-ed_tr_en.html. Retrieved 2007-12-13.
- ^ "Georgian Revival in Buffalo, NY". The University of Buffalo. http://freenet.buffalo.edu/bah/a/archsty/geo/index.html. Retrieved 2007-12-13.
- ^ "A Droll Tale". The New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D05EEDB133CF930A15750C0A962958260. Retrieved 2007-12-13.
- ^ "The Principles of Gothic Ecclesiastical Architecture, Elucidated by Question and Answer, 4th ed.". Project Gutenberg. http://infomotions.com/etexts/gutenberg/dirs/1/9/7/3/19737/19737.htm. Retrieved 2007-12-13.
- ^ "What Does Over The Transom Mean?". About Freelance Writing. http://www.aboutfreelancewriting.com/articles/gettingstarted/QAoverthetransom.htm. Retrieved 2007-12-13.
- ^ Hartocollis, Anemona. Former G.O.P. Official Admits He Evaded Taxes, The New York Times, 16 November 2007. DA Morganthau Cites "Over the Transom" Letter as root of fraud investigation
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