Gallows /(?)/

Gal·lows

Gallows

n. sing.

pl. Gallowses, 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.
    O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses!
  2. A wretch who deserves the gallows. [R.]
  3. The rest for the tympan when raised. (Print.)
  4. A pair of suspenders or braces. [Colloq.]
    At length him nailéd on a gallow tree.

Phrases & Compounds
Gallows bird
a person who deserves the gallows.
Gallows bitts
one of two or more frames amidships on deck for supporting spare spars; -- called also gallows, gallows top, gallows frame, etc.
Gallows frame
The frame supporting the beam of an engine.
Gallows tree
the gallows.