Abstract: A shuttleless loom having warp shed forming means and rapier type weft inserting means is provided with lay means which is pivotally mounted for oscillatory beat-up movement on a rotatable shaft, rotation of the shaft being synchronized with beat-up movement of the lay means by lay coupling means and the weft inserting means being interconnected with the shaft by weft inserting coupling means so as to insure a compact structure which is mechanically sturdy and which is timed in such a way as to afford rapid rapier insertion and withdrawal movement together with adequate dwell time for the weft insertion elements and shed forming means during beat-up operations of the lay means.