Definition of gallows Gallows

/gæˈlowz/ - [gatlowz] - gal•lows

We found 14 definitions of gallows from 7 different sources.

What does gallows mean?

Noun Plural: gallows
gallows - an instrument of execution consisting of a wooden frame from which a condemned person is executed by hanging
		instrument of execution an instrument designed and used to take the life of a condemned person
		plural, plural form the form of a word that is used to denote more than one
		gallous, gallows-tree, gallows tree, gibbet alternative terms for gallows

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gallows (Noun)
Wooden framework on which persons are put to death by hanging.
gallows (Noun)
A wretch who deserves to be hanged.
gallows (Noun)
The rest for the tympan when raised.
gallows (Noun)
suspenders; braces.

gallows (pl. )
of Gallows
gallows (n. sing.)
A frame from which is suspended the rope with which criminals are executed by hanging, usually consisting of two upright posts and a crossbeam on the top; also, a like frame for suspending anything.
gallows (n. sing.)
A wretch who deserves the gallows.
gallows (n. sing.)
The rest for the tympan when raised.
gallows (n. sing.)
A pair of suspenders or braces.

gallows
gal′us, n. a wooden frame on which criminals are executed by hanging—a pl. used as a sing., and having (Shak.) the double pl. 'gallowses' (used also coll. originally for a pair of braces for supporting the trousers): (Shak.) a wretch who deserves the gallows: any contrivance with posts and cross-beam for suspending objects: a rest for the tympan of a hand printing-press: the main frame of a beam-engine.—ns. Gall′ows-bird, a person who deserves hanging; Gall′ows-bitts, a frame fixed in a ship's deck to support spare spars.—adj. Gall′ows-free, free from danger of hanging.—n. Gall′owsness (slang), recklessness.—adj. Gall′ows-ripe, ready for the gallows.—n. Gall′ows-tree, a tree used as a gallows.—Cheat the gallows, to escape hanging though deserving it. [M. E. galwes (pl.)—A.S. galga; Ger. galgen.]

gallows
The cross-pieces on the small bitts at the main and fore hatchways in flush-decked vessels, for stowing away the booms and spars over the boats; also termed gallowses, gallows-tops, gallows-bitts, and gallows-stanchions. The word is used colloquially for archness, as well as for notoriously bad characters.