gallows

noun

1. 1

   A wooden framework on which persons are executed by hanging.

   Near-synonym: gibbet

   No, Sir, 'tis fear of Hanging. Who would not ſteal, or do Murder, every time his Fingers itch'd at it, were it not for fear of the Gallows?

2. 2

   obsoleteA wretch who deserves to be hanged.

   Ay, and a shrewd unhappy gallows too. / You'll ne'er be friends with him: a' kill'd your sister.

3. 3

   obsoleteThe rest for the tympan when raised.

4. 4

   obsoleteSuspenders; braces.

   The last pair of "gallowses" made by Mr. Gratacap was an order from Mr. Brokaw, the clothier.

5. 5

   Any contrivance with posts and crossbeam for suspending objects.

   Lit by the moonlight through the window, he can see a FIGURE in the hospital bed alone in the room, and under a transparent oxygen tent. […] Tubes hang from a steel gallows beside the bed, and run to his nose and mouth.

6. 6

   The main frame of a beam engine.

7. 7

   Also a form of gallow glyphplural of gallow glyph; a specialized, ornate character that appears frequently in the Voynich Manuscript.

adverb

1. 1

   archaicUtterly; very.

   They've got a gallows bad reputation, but you know what a place the beach is for talking.

verb

1. 1

   Also a form of gallowthird-person singular simple present indicative of gallow

Forms

plural

gallowses