Gallows

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɡæləʊz/

Old English Ä¡ealga.

Full definition of gallows

Noun

1. Wooden framework on which persons are put to death by hanging.
2. (colloquial, obsolete) A wretch who deserves to be hanged.
• 1590, William Shakespeare, , V. ii. 12:Ay, and a shrewd unhappy gallows too.
  You'll ne'er be friends with him: a' kill'd your sister.
3. (printing, obsolete) The rest for the tympan when raised.
4. (colloquial, obsolete) suspenders; braces

Synonyms

• gallows tree, gallow tree, hanging tree, gibbet

Derived terms

• gallows bird, gallows humor

Verb

1. gallows

   (third-person singular of gallow)