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gallows

 - 4 dictionary results

gal⋅lows

  [gal-ohz, -uhz]
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–noun, plural -lows⋅es, -lows.
1. a wooden frame, consisting of a crossbeam on two uprights, on which condemned persons are executed by hanging.
2. a similar structure from which something is suspended.
3. execution by hanging: a crime deserving of the gallows.
4. Also called gallows bitts. Nautical. a support on the deck of a vessel, generally one of two or more, consisting of a crosspiece on two uprights, for spars, boats, etc.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME galwes, OE g(e)algan, pl. of g(e)alga gallows; c. G Galgen
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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gal·lows   (gāl'ōz)   
n.   pl. gallows or gal·lows·es

    1. A device usually consisting of two upright posts supporting a crossbeam from which a noose is suspended and used for execution by hanging; a gallows tree.

    2. A similar structure used for supporting or suspending.

  2. Execution by hanging: a crime punishable by the gallows.


[Middle English galwes, pl. of galwe, gallows, from Old English gealga, galga.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

gallows 
c.1230, pl. of M.E. galwe "gallows," from O.N. galgi, or from O.E. galga (Mercian), gealga (W. Saxon); all from P.Gmc. *galg- "pole" (cf. O.Fris. galga, M.H.G. galge "gallows, cross"), perhaps cognate with Lith. zalga "pole, perch," Armenian dzalk "pole." Originally also used of the cross of the crucifixion. Plural because made of two poles.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Bible Dictionary

Gallows

Heb. 'ets, meaning "a tree" (Esther 6:4), a post or gibbet. In Gen. 40:19 and Deut. 21:22 the word is rendered "tree."

Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
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