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View synonyms for gallows

gallows

[ gal-ohz, -uhz ]

noun

, plural gal·lows·es, gal·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.


gallows

/ ˈɡæləʊz /

noun

  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
    the gallows execution by hanging


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Word History and Origins

Origin of gallows1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of gallows1

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

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Example Sentences

Saved from the public gallows, Weeks was virtually exiled from the city, and wound up in Mississippi, where he raised a family.

Gallows humor has always served him and other activists well; it had to in such dark times.

Whichever of the groups was in power would be marching the other to the gallows.

But when the people we put in power strung him up on the gallows his last words proved almost true.

The last tally of children on death row, in 2011, estimated at least 143 child offenders were awaiting the gallows in Iran.

It is far from evident why Soulis escaped with imprisonment while Brechin and others were sent to the gallows.

He missed no opportunity of thwarting and damaging the Government which had saved him from the gallows.

The evening previous he tried to poison himself, but lived to be stoned and hooted by the populace on his way to the gallows.

Once they hung a father and son, whose sole offence was their loyalty to the Government, on the same gallows.

Unknown or distant sufferings make less impression upon people than the erected gallows, or the example of a hanged man.

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Gallowaygallows bird