gibbet
[ jib-it ]
/ ˈdʒɪb ɪt /
noun
a gallows with a projecting arm at the top, from which the bodies of criminals were formerly hung in chains and left suspended after execution.
verb (used with object), gib·bet·ed, gib·bet·ing.
to hang on a gibbet.
to put to death by hanging on a gibbet.
to hold up to public scorn.
Origin of gibbet
1175–1225; Middle English < Old French
gibet (earlier, staff or cudgel), diminutive of
gibe staff, club
Words nearby gibbet
gibber,
gibberd,
gibberellic acid,
gibberellin,
gibberish,
gibbet,
gibble-gabble,
gibbon,
gibbon, edward,
gibbons,
gibbosity
Example sentences from the Web for gibbet
British Dictionary definitions for gibbet
gibbet
/ (ˈdʒɪbɪt) /
noun
- a wooden structure resembling a gallows, from which the bodies of executed criminals were formerly hung to public view
- a gallows
verb (tr)
to put to death by hanging on a gibbet
to hang (a corpse) on a gibbet
to expose to public ridicule
Word Origin for gibbet
C13: from Old French
gibet gallows, literally: little cudgel, from
gibe cudgel; of uncertain origin