Here's a breakdown of the origins:
* Wrought: This word comes from the Old English word "wyrhtan," meaning "to work" or "to make." It has been used in English since the Middle Ages to describe something that has been shaped or crafted.
* Timber: This word comes from the Old English word "timber," meaning "material for building."
So, wrought timber literally means "worked timber." This refers to any type of timber that has been subjected to some form of processing, such as:
* Sawing: Cutting logs into planks, beams, or other shapes.
* Planing: Smoothing and shaping timber surfaces.
* Milling: Using machinery to produce standardized timber sizes.
* Joining: Assembling timber pieces into larger structures.
The term "wrought timber" is often used in contrast to "rough timber," which is timber that has not been processed.