First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1gallows
noun gal·lows \ˈga-(ˌ)lōz, -ləz, in sense 3 also -ləs\
: a structure on which a criminal who has been sentenced to death is killed by being hanged
plural gallows or gal·lows·es
Full Definition of GALLOWS
1
a : a frame usually of two upright posts and a transverse beam from which criminals are hanged —called also gallows tree b : the punishment of hanging
2
: a structure consisting of an upright frame with a crosspiece
3
: suspender 2a
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Origin of GALLOWS
Middle English galwes, plural of galwe, from Old English galga, gealga; akin to Old Norse gelgja pole, stake, Armenian jałk twig
Other Legal Terms
2gallows
adjective
Definition of GALLOWS
: deserving the gallows
First Known Use of GALLOWS
15th century
GALLOWS Defined for Kids
gallows
noun gal·lows \ˈga-lōz\
plural gallows or gal·lows·es
Definition of GALLOWS for Kids
: a structure from which criminals are hanged
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