gallows bird

noun

: a person who deserves hanging

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gallows bird was circa 1785

Dictionary Entries Near gallows bird

Cite this Entry

“Gallows bird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gallows%20bird. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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