gallows

Noun
US[gal-ohz]/ˈɡæloʊz/2 syllables

Open English WordNet

Noun (1)gallowses

  1. an instrument of execution consisting of a wooden frame from which a condemned person is executed by hangingType of instrument of executionKinds gallows tree, gallows-treeParts hangman's rope, hangman's halter
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

Gal′lows n. sing.; pl. Gallowses (#) or Gallows.

Origin: 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.— William Shakespeare
O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses!— William Shakespeare

2. A wretch who deserves the gallows. rare William Shakespeare

3. Printing The rest for the tympan when raised.

4. pl. A pair of suspenders or braces. colloquial

Gallows bird, a person who deserves the gallows. colloquial — Gallows bitts Nautical, 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) Nautical Gallows bitts. — Gallows tree, or Gallow tree, the gallows.

At length him nailéd on a gallow tree.— Edmund Spenser

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54

The Devil's Dictionary

GALLOWS, n. A stage for the performance of miracle plays, in which the leading actor is translated to heaven. In this country the gallows is chiefly remarkable for the number of persons who escape it.

Whether on the gallows high Or where blood flows the reddest, The noblest place for man to die -- Is where he died the deadest. (Old play)

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