door-post
Noun: A door-post is a vertical structural element on either side of a door frame, serving as a support for the door and often providing a surface for hinges or a latch.
- (He rested his body on the vertical side of the door frame.)
- (He measured the vertical support piece.)
- (She applied paint to the vertical side piece.)
"to be on the door-post": to be positioned or waiting near the vertical side of a door.
- The cat sat on the door-post, watching the rain. (The cat was perched on the side of the door frame.)
"door-post as a cultural reference": In some traditions, a door-post is marked with religious symbols or inscriptions for protection.
- The Passover tradition includes marking the door-post with lamb's blood. (A ritual act involving the door frame.)
Doorpost (n): a less common spelling variant of "door-post," meaning the same vertical support.
- The old doorpost was carved with intricate patterns. (The vertical support of the door was decorated.)
Door frame (n): the entire structure that surrounds a door, including the door-post, lintel (top), and threshold (bottom).
- The door frame was damaged in the storm. (The whole surrounding structure of the door.)
Jamb: a vertical side piece of a door frame, especially one that supports the hinges or latch.
- The jamb was cracked from years of use. (The vertical side piece of the door.)
Door jamb: a synonym for door-post, specifically the vertical part of the frame.
- He repaired the door jamb after the hinge broke. (He fixed the vertical support.)
"between the door and the door-post": an idiom meaning in a very tight or confined space; often used to describe a difficult situation.
- He was caught between the door and the door-post when the argument started. (He was in a difficult, cramped position.)
"to whisper at the door-post": a poetic or literary phrase meaning to speak softly near the entrance.
- She whispered secrets at the door-post before leaving. (She spoke quietly by the door frame.)