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gallows

[gal-ohz, -uhz]

noun, plural -lows·es, -lows.

a wooden frame, consisting of a crossbeam on two uprights, on which condemned persons are executed by hanging.

a similar structure from which something is suspended.

execution by hanging: a crime deserving of the gallows.

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:
before 900; Middle English galwes, Old English g(e)algan, plural of g(e)alga gallows; cognate with German Galgen

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Gallows is always a great word to know.

So is lollapalooza. Does it mean:

an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.

an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.

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Example Sentences

In this book drugs are merely a means to an end, and that end is the gallows.

Gallows humor, perhaps, but it has helped me to survive my condition.

Before the play is over good people of pious nature and responsible temper are condemning other good people to the gallows.

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Collins

World English Dictionary

gallows (ˈɡæləʊz)

—n , pl -lowses, -lows
1.	a wooden structure usually consisting of two upright posts with a crossbeam from which a rope is suspended, used for hanging criminals
2.	any timber structure resembling this, such as (in Australia and New Zealand) a frame for hoisting up the bodies of slaughtered cattle
3.	the gallows execution by hanging

[C13: from Old Norse galgi, replacing Old English gealga; related to Old High German galgo]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

gallows

early 13c., 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

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crucifixion. Plural because made of two poles.

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