English

Alternative forms

• hanging offense

Noun

hanging offence ‎(plural hanging offences)

1. (idiomatic) A crime so serious that it is punishable by means of death by hanging.
   • 1908, John Fox Jr., The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, ch. 26:

     Word reached the ear of the prosecuting attorney of the only testimony that could establish a motive and make the crime a hanging offence.

   • 1999 June 18, Rod Beaton, "Astros winning despite obstacles," USA Today:

     Since when is it a hanging offense to criticize someone who's not doing the job he's paid generously to do?