gambrel

noun

gam·brel | \ˈgam-brəl

\

Definition of gambrel

: a stick or iron for suspending slaughtered animals

History and Etymology for gambrel

probably borrowed from Middle French (Norman) *gamberel, *gambereau (attested only in plural gambereaulx) "kind of pole or fork used by butchers," apparently re-formation or derivative of gambier, jambier "piece of wood used to keep the legs of a slaughtered animal separate," from gambe, jambe "leg" + -ier -er entry 2 — more at jamb

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The first known use of gambrel was in 1547

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