μέλαθρον , μελαθρόφι: beam, crossbeam of a
house, supporting rafters and roof; these beams passed through the
wall and projected externally, hence ἐπὶ
προὔχοντι μελάθρῳ, Od.
19.544; then roof (tectum), and in wider sense
dwelling, mansion, Il.
9.640.