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 level2: a supporting framework