Thesaurus: gallows

of Gallows

Definitions

pl. of Gallows
n. sing. 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.
n. sing. A wretch who deserves the gallows.
n. sing. The rest for the tympan when raised.
n. sing. A pair of suspenders or braces.
n. an instrument of execution consisting of a wooden frame from which a condemned person is executed by hanging
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. Shak. O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses Shak. 2. A wretch who deserves the gallows. [R.] Shak. 3. (Print.) The rest for the tympan when raised. 4. pl. A pair of suspenders or braces. [Colloq.] 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, or Gallow tree, the gallows. At length him nailéd on a gallow tree. Spenser.
n:100 n. an instrument of execution consisting of a wooden frame from which a condemned person is executed by hanging