Definition of Galows
Gal"lows (?), n. sing.; pl.
Gallowses (#) or Gallows. [OE.
galwes, pl., AS. galga, gealga, gallows, cross;
akin to D. galg gallows, OS. & OHG. galgo, G.
galgen, Icel. gālgi, Sw. & Dan. galge,
Goth. galga a cross. Etymologically and historically
considered, gallows is a noun in the plural number, but it is
used as a singular, and hence is preceded by a; as, a
gallows.] 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.
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
GALLOWS, n. A stage for the performance of miracle plays, in which
the leading actor is translated to heaven. In this country the
gallows is chiefly remarkable for the number of persons who escape it.
Whether on the gallows high
Or where blood flows the reddest,
The noblest place for man to die --
Is where he died the deadest.
(Old play)
- 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue
- wooden framework on which persons are put to death by hanging
- The Nuttall Encyclopedia
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