ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Gallows

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈɡæləʊz/ · Part of speech noun

Quick meaning: Gallows is a noun meaning A wooden framework on which persons are executed by hanging.

Meaning

A wooden framework on which persons are executed by hanging.

More Meanings

  1. (colloquial, obsolete) A wretch who deserves to be hanged.
  2. (printing, obsolete) The rest for the tympan when raised.
  3. (colloquial, obsolete) Suspenders; braces.
  4. Any contrivance with posts and crossbeam for suspending objects.
  5. The main frame of a beam engine.
  6. plural of gallow glyph; a specialized, ornate character that appears frequently in the Voynich Manuscript.
  7. (colloquial, archaic) Utterly; very.

Example Sentences

Near-synonym: gibbet
They've got a gallows bad reputation, but you know what a place the beach is for talking.
The last pair of "gallowses" made by Mr. Gratacap was an order from Mr. Brokaw, the clothier.
Ay, and a shrewd unhappy gallows too. / You'll ne'er be friends with him: a' kill'd your sister.

Word Forms

Synonyms for gallows

Depending on context, synonyms include gibbet, crook, gallous.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include gibbet, gallous, place, dead, tree, cranes.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.