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gallows

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The definition of gallows are a framework or support used for hanging people.

(noun)

An example of gallows are nooses hanging from trees meant to hang people convicted of crimes.

See gallows in Webster's New World College Dictionary

an upright frame with a crossbeam and a rope, for hanging condemned persons
any structure like this, used for suspending or supporting
the death sentence by hanging

Origin: ME galwes, pl. of galwe < OE galga, akin to Ger galgen < IE base *ĝhalgh-, pliant tree branch > Lith žalgà, long, thin pole: the earliest gallows was a pulled-down branch that carried the victim with it when allowed to spring up

See gallows in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. gallows gallows or gal·lows·es

a. A device usually consisting of two upright posts supporting a crossbeam from which a noose is suspended and used for execution by hanging; a gallows tree.
b. A similar structure used for supporting or suspending.
Execution by hanging: a crime punishable by the gallows.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English galwes

Origin: , pl. of galwe, gallows

Origin: , from Old English gealga, galga

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