gallows

American  

[gal-ohz, -uhz] / ˈgæl oʊz, -əz /

noun

PLURAL

gallowses, gallows

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 British  

/ 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. execution by hanging

---

Etymology

Origin of gallows

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

Example Sentences

He provided the testimony that led to a series of arrests—then interrogations and torture, followed in most cases by a final march to the gallows, firing squad or guillotine.

From The Wall Street Journal

As Ralph Waldo Emerson saw it, Brown’s death on the scaffold turned him into a “new Saint awaiting his martyrdom, and who, if he shall suffer, will make the gallows glorious like the cross.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The sequences in which Victor collects his, shall we say, building supplies mean many trips to the gallows, swinging felons, and the warehousing of parts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their side had not long come from behind to go 2-1 up against Newcastle United when gallows humour swept across the London Stadium.

From BBC

Some of the chat leading up to this game involved the gallows humour so close to the heart of most members of the Tartan Army.

From BBC