TERMIUM Plus®

The Government of Canada’s terminology and linguistic data bank.

TOPPING OFF [1 record]

Filter results by subject field Alphabetical list of terms

Filter results by subject field

Alphabetical list of terms

Record 1 2024-09-27

English

Subject field(s)
  • Execution of Work (Construction)
CONT

In construction, "topping off," also called "topping out," is a builders' rite traditionally held for the last beam, or its equivalent, placed atop the structure during its construction.

CONT

The significance of topping out is believed to date back to pre-Dark Age Scandinavia, where folklore suggests there was a practice of placing a tree on top of a new building to appease the tree dwelling spirits of their displaced ancestors.

Key term(s)
  • topping-out
  • topping-off

French

Domaine(s)
  • Exécution des travaux de construction
CONT

La traditionnelle pose du bouquet de fleurs a symbolisé ce matin l'achèvement de la charpente médiévale du chœur de la cathédrale gothique.

Spanish

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© Public Services and Procurement Canada, 2025
TERMIUM Plus®, the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank
A product of the Translation Bureau

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