gallows tree

Noun
Synonyms: gallows-treegibbetgallous

Open English WordNet

Noun (1)

  1. alternative terms for gallowsSynonyms: gallows-treegibbetgallousType of gallows
Word of the day · Sep 29About this word
haphazardadjective

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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Gallows \Gal"lows\, n. sing.; pl. Gallowsesor Gallows. [OE. galwes, pl., AS. galga, gealga, gallows, cross; akin to D. galg gallows, OS. & OHG. galgo, G. galgen, Icel. g[=a]lgi, 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. [1913 Webster]

So they hanged Haman on the gallows.— Esther vii. 10.[1913 Webster]
If I hang, I'll make a fat pair of gallows.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses!— Shak.[1913 Webster]

2.A wretch who deserves the gallows. [R.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

3.(Print.) The rest for the tympan when raised. [1913 Webster]

4.pl. A pair of suspenders or braces. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

At length him nail['e]d on a gallow tree.— Spenser.[1913 Webster]
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