noun
- a method of execution, as formerly in Spain, with an iron collar tightened about the neck by a screw
- the iron collar so used
- a cord, thong, or length of wire for strangling a robbery victim, enemy sentry, etc. in a surprise attack
- a disabling by strangling in this way; strangulation
Origin:
Sp, orig., a stick used to wind a cord, prob. < OFr garrot, crossbow bolt, for earlier guaroc < garokier, to garrote < Frank *wrokkan, to twist < IE *werĝh-, to twist, choke < base *wer-, to turn > worm, wrench
transitive verb garroted or garrotted, garroting or garrotting
- to execute or attack with a garrote or by strangling
- to disable by strangling, as in an attack for robbery