gallows bird

a person who deserves to be hanged.

Origin of gallows bird

First recorded in 1775–85

"You're to sell, you mean, you gallows-bird," returned Jasper.

Adrien Leroy |Charles Garvice
Dick Malone, my gallows-bird, I arrest you in the name of the law.

Beadle's Boy's Library of Sport, Story and Adventure, Vol. I, No. 1. |Prentiss Ingraham
I know that far, though I ne'er minced ape nor gallows-bird.

The Cloister and the Hearth |Charles Reade
Such a gallows-bird, with so many bad habits, would be arrested anywhere, and then what good should I get of my income?

Timar's Two Worlds |Mr Jkai

"And you would be a highwayman, would you, gallows-bird—" began the Countess.

The O'Ruddy |Stephen Crane

gallows bird

informal a person considered deserving of hanging