gibbet

[ jib-it ]

noun

1. 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.

verb (used with object)

, gib·bet·ed, gib·bet·ing.

1. to hang on a gibbet.
2. to put to death by hanging on a gibbet.
3. to hold up to public scorn.

gibbet

/ ˈdʒɪbɪt /

noun

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

verb

1. to put to death by hanging on a gibbet
2. to hang (a corpse) on a gibbet
3. to expose to public ridicule

Word History and Origins

Origin of gibbet¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gibbet¹

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

Example Sentences

They would build a gibbet outside of the White House lawn.

From Salon

Under the low red glare of sunset, the beacon, and the gibbet, and the mound of the Battery, and the opposite shore of the river, were plain, though all of a watery lead colour.

From Literature

At public hangings, so-called sack-'em-up men "sometimes even yanked people off the gibbet who weren't quite dead yet," Kean writes.

From Salon

“We are mapping execution sites and also places where bodies were gibbeted, so they are hung in gibbet cages as a warning against crime,” said Jeater.

From The Guardian

Every few weeks, until October, 1761, rebellious prisoners were killed or were captured, tried, and executed—sometimes burned alive, sometimes hanged or gibbeted.

From The New Yorker