[f. SPLAT v.] A flat piece of wood, a flat bar or rail, esp. one forming the central part of a chair-back.
1833. Loudon, Encycl. Archit., § 2108. The splats (the middle part of the back, which either connects the top and bottom rails, or the two side styles) are carved.
1854. Miss Baker, Northampt. Gloss., Splat, the rails or staves used for the framing of a chair. The flat steps of a ladder bear the same name.
1904. Burlington Mag., V. 382/1. The carving … is peculiarly good, both in the splats and the front leg.
