gallows
[ gal-ohz, -uh z ]
/ ˈgæl oʊz, -əz /
noun, plural gal·lows·es, gal·lows.
a wooden frame, consisting of a crossbeam on two uprights, on which condemned persons are executed by hanging.
a similar structure from which something is suspended.
execution by hanging: a crime deserving of the gallows.
Also called gallows bitts. Nautical.
a support on the deck of a vessel, generally one of two or more, consisting of a crosspiece on two uprights, for spars, boats, etc.
Origin of gallows
before 900; Middle English
galwes, Old English
g(e)algan, plural of
g(e)alga gallows; cognate with German
Galgen
Words nearby gallows
Example sentences from the Web for gallows
British Dictionary definitions for gallows
gallows
/ (ˈɡæləʊz) /
noun plural -lowses or -lows
a wooden structure usually consisting of two upright posts with a crossbeam from which a rope is suspended, used for hanging criminals
any timber structure resembling this, such as (in Australia and New Zealand) a frame for hoisting up the bodies of slaughtered cattle
the gallows
execution by hanging
Word Origin for gallows
C13: from Old Norse
galgi, replacing Old English
gealga; related to Old High German
galgo