Scaf"fold (?), n. [OF. eschafault, eschafaut, escafaut, escadafaut, F. 'echafaud; probably oiginally the same word as E. & F. catafalque, It. catafafalco. See Catafalque.]

1.

A temporary structure of timber, boards, etc., for various purposes, as for supporting workmen and materials in building, for exhibiting a spectacle upon, for holding the spectators at a show, etc.

Pardon, gentles all, The flat, unraised spirits that have dared On this unworthy scaffold to bring forth So great an object. Shak.

2.

Specifically, a stage or elevated platform for the execution of a criminal; as, to die on the scaffold.

That a scaffold of execution should grow a scaffold of coronation. Sir P. Sidney.

3. Metal.

An accumulation of adherent, partly fused material forming a shelf, or dome-shaped obstruction, above the tuyeres in a blast furnace.

 

© Webster 1913.


Scaf"fold, v. t.

To furnish or uphold with a scaffold.

 

© Webster 1913.

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