Lexic.us

Definition of Gallows

1. Noun. An instrument of execution consisting of a wooden frame from which a condemned person is executed by hanging.

Definition of Gallows

1. n. sing. 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.

Definition of Gallows

1. Noun. Wooden framework on which persons are put to death by hanging. ¹

2. Verb. (third-person singular of gallow) ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Gallows

1. a structure used for hanging a condemned person [n -ES]

Medical Definition of Gallows

1. Origin: OE. Galwes, pl, AS. Galga, gealga, gallows, cross; akin to D. Galg gallows, OS. & OHG. Galgo, G. Galgen, Icel. Galgi, 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." (Shak) "O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses" (Shak) 2. A wretch who deserves the gallows. 3. The rest for the tympan when raised. 4. A pair of suspenders or braces. Gallows bird, a person who deserves the gallows. Gallows bitts Gallows bitts. Gallows, or Gallow tree, the gallows. " at length him nailed on a gallow tree." (Spenser) Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Gallows

Literary usage of Gallows

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Century Dictionary: An Encyclopedic Lexicon of the English Language by William Dwight Whitney (1889)
"The famous converted gallows bird . . . proclaims the good word in ... The frame of a gallows.— 2. The frame by which the beam of a beam-engine is supported ..."

2. Southern Literary Messenger (1850)
""I will explain it to you," said the Captain, " I do not know whether you have ever heard of small creatures called "gallows men;" they are little black ..."

3. Structural Engineers' Handbook: Data for the Design and Construction of by Milo Smith Ketchum (1918)
"gallows Frame.—A gallows frame or a transverse bent as shown in Fig. ... The gallows frame is guyed fore and aft with steel cables. ..."

4. The Gentleman's Magazine (1888)
"A MONG our national institutions the gallows still holds its place, ... The wheel, a kindred institution with the gallows in France and Germany, ..."

5. Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages: Classified Subjectively and by Robert Christy (1887)
"Either towards the country or towards the gallows. Turk. 3. No armor is proof against the gallows. 4. Talk as you go, husband, to the gallows. Sp. 5. ..."

6. American State Trials: A Collection of the Important and Interesting by John Davison Lawson, Robert Lorenzo Howard (1921)
"... they treated the ribaldry with contempt, and did not consider it necessary to sustain the cause of religion by the faggot, the gallows, the pillory, ..."

7. History of Corn Milling by Richard Bennett (1904)
"gallows MILLS. KING'S MILLS, Three mills bearing this designation stood in London Road, r rWp D POOT Reference has already been made to the first, ..."

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