Thresh"old (?), n. [OE. threswold, þreshwold, AS. þrescwald, þerscwald, þerscold, þrescold, fr. þrescan, þerscan, to thresh; akin to Icel. þreskjode, þroskuldr, Sw. troskel, Dan. taerskel. See Thrash.]
1.
The plank, stone, or piece of timber, which lies under a door, especially of a dwelling house, church, temple, or the like; the doorsill; hence, entrance; gate; door.
2.
Fig.: The place or point of entering or beginning, entrance; outset; as, the threshold of life.
© Webster 1913.