View synonyms for gibbet

gibbet

[ jib-it ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

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.

, gib·bet·ed, gib·bet·ing.

gibbet

/ ˈdʒɪbɪt /

1. a wooden structure resembling a gallows, from which the bodies of executed criminals were formerly hung to public view
2. a gallows

Origin of gibbet¹

1175–1225; Middle English < Old French gibet (earlier, staff or cudgel), diminutive of gibe staff, club

Origin of gibbet¹

C13: from Old French gibet gallows, literally: little cudgel, from gibe cudgel; of uncertain origin

For years afterwards the place was known as Gibbet Hill, and, indeed, the country folk still speak of it by that name.

It was regarded with a loathing and abhorrence more intense than that in which the felons gibbet is held to-day.

From the gibbet that rose over the western branch of the road three corpses hung by the neck.

That massive pile of stones bore at its top four iron forks fastened at right angles, gibbet-shaped.

The latter stopped first before the iron gibbet that terminated in a carcan.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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