gallows — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A wooden framework on which persons are executed by hanging.

   Synonyms

   gibbet

   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?

2. A wretch who deserves to be hanged.

   Usage

   • Colloquial
   • Obsolete

   Examples

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

3. The rest for the tympan when raised.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

4. Suspenders; braces.

   Usage

   • Colloquial
   • Obsolete

   Examples

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

5. Any contrivance with posts and crossbeam for suspending objects.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   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.

6. The main frame of a beam engine.

Adverb

1. Utterly; very.

   Usage

   • Archaic
   • Colloquial
   • not-comparable

   Examples

   They've got a gallows bad reputation, but you know what a place the beach is for talking.

Noun

1. an instrument of execution consisting of a wooden frame from which a condemned person is executed by hanging

   Broader terms

   instrument of execution