gallows

gal-lows · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A structure, typically of two uprights and a crossbeam, for the hanging of criminals.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    gallows humor — grim or ironic humor about death or unpleasant situations
  • •
    cheat the gallows — to escape execution or deserved punishment
  • •
    gallows bird — (archaic) a person who deserves to be hanged

Related words

See also: execution, hanging, scaffold

Etymology

From Old English galga (gallows, cross), from Proto-Germanic galgan.