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Inarchitecture, atransom is a transverse horizontal structural beam or bar, or a crosspiece separating a door from a window above it. This contrasts with amullion, a vertical structural member.[1] Transom ortransom window is also the customaryU.S. word used for atransom light, the window over this crosspiece.[1][2] InBritain, the transom light is usually referred to as afanlight, often with a semi-circular shape, especially when the window is segmented like the slats of a foldinghand fan. A prominent example of this is at the main entrance of10 Downing Street, the official residence of thePrime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Inearly Gothicecclesiastical work, transoms are found only inbelfry unglazed windows orspire lights, where they were deemed necessary to strengthen themullions in the absence of theironstay bars, which in glazed windows served a similar purpose. In the later Gothic, and more especially thePerpendicular Period, the introduction of transoms became common in windows of all kinds.[3][4]
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 apartments, homes, office buildings, schools, and other buildings beforecentral air conditioning andheating became common beginning in the early-to-mid 20th century.[5][6]
In order to operate opening transom windows, they were generally fitted with transom operators, a sort of wand assembly.[7] In industrial buildings, transom operators could use a variety of mechanical arrangements.[8]
The phrase "over the transom" refers to works submitted forpublication without beingsolicited. The image evoked is of a writer tossing amanuscript through the open window over the door of thepublisher's office.[9]
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.[10]
Some such phrases may refer instead to thetransom of a ship – large waves from behind can bring water over the transom.
"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 toAlice Roosevelt Longworth andFannie Brice.
In French, a transom window is called animposte. The termvasistas (previously spelledwass-ist-dass), from a misunderstanding of the Germanwas ist das?lit. 'what is that?',[11][12] refers to any single pane within a door or window sash which is hinged independently to provide discrete ventilation without opening the entire sash.
Architectural details calledranma (欄間) are often found above doors in traditional Japanese buildings.
These details can be anything from simpleshōji-style dividers to elaborate wooden carvings, and they serve as a traditional welcome to visitors of the head of the household.
The dictionary definition oftransom window at Wiktionary
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