gibbet

1 of 2

noun

gib·​bet ˈji-bət How to pronounce gibbet (audio)
1
2
: an upright post with a projecting arm for hanging the bodies of executed criminals as a warning

gibbet

2 of 2

verb

gibbeted; gibbeting; gibbets

transitive verb

1
a
: to expose to infamy or public scorn
b
: to hang on a gibbet
2
: to execute by hanging on a gibbet

Examples of gibbet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Once again there are gibbet cages and skull racks on display at Tyburn, but the medieval barbarity is compounded by entirely modern displays of wealth and power, their effects felt all the way up and down the social scale. Tom Shippey, WSJ, 14 Jan. 2022 Over 1,000 angry citizens rampaged the city; within days, hundreds were arrested and more than a dozen were executed, their bodies displayed on gibbets. Lorraine Boissoneault, Smithsonian, 1 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gibbet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English gibet, from Anglo-French

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of gibbet was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near gibbet

Cite this Entry

“Gibbet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gibbet. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gibbet

noun
gib·​bet
ˈjib-ət

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