GALLOWS
gallows
(noun) an instrument of execution consisting of a wooden frame from which a condemned person is executed by hanging
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Proper noun
Gallows
plural of Gallow
Etymology 1
Noun
gallows (plural gallows or gallowses)
Wooden framework on which persons are put to death by hanging. [from 1300s]
(colloquial, obsolete) A wretch who deserves to be hanged.
(printing, obsolete) The rest for the tympan when raised.
(colloquial, obsolete) Suspenders; braces.
Any contrivance with posts and crossbeam for suspending objects.
The main frame of a beam engine.
Synonyms
• (wooden framework used for hanging): gallows tree, gallow tree, hanging tree, gibbet
Etymology 2
Verb
gallows
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of gallow
Source: Wiktionary
Gal"lows, n. sing.; pl. Gallowses or Gallows. Etym: [OE. galwes, pl.,
AS. galga, gealga, gallows, cross; akin to D. galg gallows, OS. &
OHG. galgo, G. galgen, Icel. galgi, Sw. & Dan. galge, Goth. galga a
cross. Etymologically and historically considered, gallows is a noun
in the plural number, but it is used as a singular, and hence is
preceded by a; as, a gallows.]
1. A frame from which is suspended the rope with which criminals are
executed by hanging, usually consisting of two upright posts and a
crossbeam on the top; also, a like frame for suspending anything.
So they hanged Haman on the gallows. Esther vii. 10.
If I hang, I'll make a fat pair of gallows. Shak.
O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses Shak.
2. A wretch who deserves the gallows. [R.] Shak.
3. (Print.)
Definition: The rest for the tympan when raised.
4. pl.
Definition: A pair of suspenders or braces. [Colloq.] Gallows bird, a
person who deserves the gallows. [Colloq.] -- Gallows bitts (Naut.),
one of two or more frames amidships on deck for supporting spare
spars; -- called also gallows, gallows top, gallows frame, etc.
– Gallows frame. (a) The frame supporting the beam of an engine.
(b) (Naut.) Gallows bitts.
– Gallows, or Gallow tree, the gallows.
At length him nailéd on a gallow tree. Spenser.
GALLOW
Gal"low, v. t. Etym: [Cf. AS. agelwan to stupefy.]
Definition: To fright or terrify. See Gally, v. t. [Obs.] Shak.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition