Main Entry: ¹gal·lows

Pronunciation: \ˈga-(ˌ)lōz, -ləz, in sense 3 also -ləs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural gallows or gal·lows·es

Etymology: Middle English galwes, plural of galwe, from Old English galga, gealga; akin to Old Norse gelgja pole, stake, Armenian jałk twig

Date: before 12th century

1 a : a frame usually of two upright posts and a transverse beam from which criminals are hanged —called also gallows tree b : the punishment of hanging
2 : a structure consisting of an upright frame with a crosspiece
3 : suspender 2a