online medical dictionary | definition of gallows

Origin: OE. Galwes, pl, AS. Galga, gealga, gallows, cross; akin to D. Galg gallows, OS. & OHG. Galgo, G. Galgen, Icel. Galgi, 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. "So they hanged Haman on the gallows." (Esther vii. 10) "If I hang, I'll make a fat pair of gallows." (Shak) "O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses" (Shak)

2. A wretch who deserves the gallows.

3. The rest for the tympan when raised.

4. A pair of suspenders or braces. Gallows bird, a person who deserves the gallows. Gallows bitts Gallows bitts. Gallows, or Gallow tree, the gallows. " at length him nailed on a gallow tree." (Spenser)

(01 Mar 1998)