gallows

gallows
Gallows Gal"lows, n. sing.; pl. {Gallowses}or {Gallows}. [OE. galwes, pl., AS. galga, gealga, gallows, cross; akin to D. galg gallows, OS. & OHG. galgo, G. galgen, Icel. g[=a]lgi, Sw. & Dan. galge, Goth. galga a cross. Etymologically and historically considered, gallows is a noun in the plural number, but it is used as a singular, and hence is preceded by a; as, a gallows.] 1. 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. [1913 Webster]

So they hanged Haman on the gallows. --Esther vii. 10. [1913 Webster]

If I hang, I'll make a fat pair of gallows. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses! --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. A wretch who deserves the gallows. [R.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

3. (Print.) The rest for the tympan when raised. [1913 Webster]

4. pl. A pair of suspenders or braces. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]

{Gallows bird}, a person who deserves the gallows. [Colloq.]

{Gallows bitts} (Naut.), one of two or more frames amidships on deck for supporting spare spars; -- called also {gallows}, {gallows top}, {gallows frame}, etc.

{Gallows frame}. (a) The frame supporting the beam of an engine. (b) (Naut.) Gallows bitts.

{Gallows tree}, or

{Gallow tree}, the gallows. [1913 Webster]

At length him nail['e]d on a gallow tree. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Gallows — Gal lows, n. sing.; pl. {Gallowses}or {Gallows}. [OE. galwes, pl., AS. galga, gealga, gallows, cross; akin to D. galg gallows, OS. & OHG. galgo, G. galgen, Icel. g[=a]lgi, Sw. & Dan. galge, Goth. galga a cross. Etymologically and historically… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Gallows — Gal lows, n. sing.; pl. {Gallowses}or {Gallows}. [OE. galwes, pl., AS. galga, gealga, gallows, cross; akin to D. galg gallows, OS. & OHG. galgo, G. galgen, Icel. g[=a]lgi, Sw. & Dan. galge, Goth. galga a cross. Etymologically and historically… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Gallows — en juin 2007 Pays d’origine Watford …   Wikipédia en Français

  • gallows — c.1300, plural of Middle English galwe gallows (mid 13c.), from O.N. galgi gallows, or from O.E. galga (Mercian), gealga (W. Saxon) gallows; all from P.Gmc. *galgon pole (Cf. O.Fris. galga, M.H.G. galge gallows, cross, Ger. Galgen gallows, Goth …   Etymology dictionary

  • gallows — [gal′ōz] n. pl. gallows or gallowses [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… …   English World dictionary

  • Gallows — Allgemeine Informationen Genre(s) Hardcore Punk Gründung 2005 Website http://www.gallows.co.uk …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • gallows — has been treated since the 16c as a singular noun, with a (rarely used) plural gallowses. Gallows humour means ‘grim and ironical humour’ …   Modern English usage

  • gallows — ► PLURAL NOUN (usu. treated as sing. ) 1) a structure consisting of two uprights and a crosspiece, used for hanging a person. 2) (the gallows) execution by hanging. ORIGIN Old English …   English terms dictionary

  • Gallows — Эта страница требует существенной переработки. Возможно, её необходимо викифицировать, дополнить или переписать. Пояснение причин и обсуждение на странице Википедия:К улучшению/21 декабря 2012. Дата постановки к улучшению 21 декабря 2012. Gallows …   Википедия

  • Gallows — A gallows is a frame, typically wooden, used for execution by hanging.A gallows can take several forms. The simplest form (as often used in the game Hangman ) resembles an inverted L , with a single upright and a horizontal beam to which the rope …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”