Gal"lows (?), n. sing.; pl. Gallowses (#) ∨ Gallows. [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. [R.]
Shak.
3. Print. The rest for the tympan when raised.
4. pl. A pair of suspenders or braces. [Colloq.]
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, ∨ Gallow tree, the gallows.
At length him nail'ed on a gallow tree.
Spenser.
© Webster 1913. | 
