Gallows

Definitions

1. A wooden framework on which persons are executed by hanging.
2. A wretch who deserves to be hanged.
   colloquial, obsolete
3. The rest for the tympan when raised.
   obsolete
4. Suspenders; braces.
   colloquial, obsolete
5. Any contrivance with posts and crossbeam for suspending objects.
6. The main frame of a beam engine.

Equivalents

Examples

“Near-synonym: gibbet”

“No, Sir, 'tis fear of Hanging. Who would not ſteal, or do Murder⟳, every time his Fingers itch'd at it, were it not for fear of the Gallows?”

“Ay, and a shrewd unhappy gallows too. / You'll ne'er be friends with him: a' kill'd your sister.”

“The last⟳ pair of "gallowses" made by Mr. Gratacap was an order⟳ from Mr. Brokaw, the clothier.”

“Lit by the moonlight through the window, he can see⟳ a FIGURE⟳ in the hospital bed alone in the room, and under a transparent oxygen tent. […] Tubes hang⟳ from a steel gallows beside the bed, and run⟳ to his nose and mouth.”

CEFR level