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Webster 1913 Edition

Gallows

Gal′lows

,
Noun.
s
ing.
;
pl.
Gallowses
(#)
or
Gallows
.
[OE.
galwes
, pl., AS.
galga
,
gealga
, gallows, cross; akin to D.
galg
gallows, OS. & OHG.
galgo
, G.
galgen
, Icel.
gālgi
, Sw. & Dan.
galge
, Goth.
galga
a cross. Etymologically and historically considered,
gallows
is a noun in the plural number, but it is used as a singular, and hence is preceded by a;
as,
a gallows
.]
1.
A frame from which is suspended the rope with which criminals are executed by hanging, usually consisting of two upright posts and a crossbeam on the top; also, a like frame for suspending anything.
So they hanged Haman on the
gallows
.
Esther vii. 10.
If I hang, I’ll make a fat pair of
gallows
.
Shakespeare
O, there were desolation of gaolers and
gallowses
!
Shakespeare
2.
A wretch who deserves the gallows.
[R.]
Shak.
3.
(Print.)
The rest for the tympan when raised.
4.
pl.
A pair of suspenders or braces.
[Colloq.]
Gallows bird
,
a person who deserves the gallows.
[Colloq.]
–
Gallows bitts
(Naut.)
,
one of two or more frames amidships on deck for supporting spare spars; – called also
gallows
,
gallows top
,
gallows frame
, etc.
–
Gallows frame
.
(a)
The frame supporting the beam of an engine.
(b)
(Naut.)
Gallows bitts.
–
Gallows tree
, or
Gallow tree
,
the gallows.
At length him nailéd on a
gallow tree
.
Spenser.

Webster 1828 Edition

Gallows

GAL'LOWS

,
Noun.
singular. [Gallows is in the singular number and should be preceded by a, a gallows. The plural is gallowses.]
1.
An instrument of punishment whereon criminals are executed by hanging. It consists of two posts and a cross beam on the top, to which the criminal is suspended by a rope fastened round his neck.
2.
A wretch that deserves the gallows. [Not used.]

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