gallows

¹gal·lows

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

plural gallows or gal·lows·es

Definition of GALLOWS

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

Examples of GALLOWS

1. He was sentenced to death on the gallows.

Origin of GALLOWS

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi