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

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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

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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

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