Main Entry: scaf·fold

Pronunciation: \ˈska-fəld also -ˌfōld\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French scaffald, alteration of Old French eschaafauz, escafaut, alteration of chaafaut, from Vulgar Latin *catafalicum — more at catafalque

Date: 14th century

1 a : a temporary or movable platform for workers (as bricklayers, painters, or miners) to stand or sit on when working at a height above the floor or ground b : a platform on which a criminal is executed (as by hanging or beheading) c : a platform at a height above ground or floor level
2 : a supporting framework