bearer [`ber·ǝr] CIVIL ENGINEERING Any horizontal beam, joist, or member which supports a load. GRAPHIC ARTS 1. In photoengraving, the metal left on a plate to protect the printing surface while molding. 2. In composition, one of the type-high slugs locked inside a chase to protect the printing surface. 3. In printing presses, one of the surface-to-surface ends of cylinders that come in contact. |