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Webster 1913 Edition
Gallows
Gal′lows
,Noun.
sing.
pl.
Gallowses
(#)
or Gallows
. [OE.
galwes
, pl., AS. galga
, gealga
, gallows, cross; akin to D. galg
gallows, OS. & OHG. galgo
, G. galgen
, Icel. gālgi
, 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
. Shakespeare
O, there were desolation of gaolers and
gallowses
! Shakespeare
2.
A wretch who deserves the gallows.
[R.]
Shak.
3.
(Print.)
The rest for the tympan when raised.
4.
pl.
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 tree
, or Gallow tree
, the gallows.
At length him nailéd on a
gallow tree
. Spenser.
Webster 1828 Edition
Gallows
GAL'LOWS
,Noun.
1.
An instrument of punishment whereon criminals are executed by hanging. It consists of two posts and a cross beam on the top, to which the criminal is suspended by a rope fastened round his neck.2.
A wretch that deserves the gallows. [Not used.]Definition 2024
gallows
gallows
English
Noun
gallows (plural gallows or gallowses)
- Wooden framework on which persons are put to death by hanging.
- 1728, Otway, Thomas, “The Atheist, or, the Second Part of the Solider's Fortune”, in The Works of Mr. Thomas Otway, volume 2, London, page 37:
- No, Sir, 'tis fear of Hanging. Who would not ſteal, or do Murder, every time his Fingers itch'd at it, were it not for fear of the Gallows?
-
- (colloquial, obsolete) A wretch who deserves to be hanged.
- 1590, William Shakespeare, Love's Labour's Lost, V. ii. 12:
- Ay, and a shrewd unhappy gallows too. / You'll ne'er be friends with him: a' kill'd your sister.
- 1590, William Shakespeare, Love's Labour's Lost, V. ii. 12:
- (printing, obsolete) The rest for the tympan when raised.
- (colloquial, obsolete) Suspenders; braces.
Synonyms
Derived terms
Derived terms
Translations
wooden framework on which persons are put to death by hanging
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Etymology 2
Verb
gallows
- third-person singular simple present indicative form of gallow