Definition of GALLOWS

gallows

Meanings

Plural: gallows, gallowses

Noun

  • an instrument of execution consisting of a wooden frame from which a condemned person is executed by hanging
  • A wooden framework on which persons are executed by hanging.
  • A wretch who deserves to be hanged.
  • The rest for the tympan when raised.
  • Suspenders; braces.
  • Any contrivance with posts and crossbeam for suspending objects.
  • The main frame of a beam engine.

Adv

  • Utterly; very.

Verb

  • third-person singular simple present indicative of gallow

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English galwes, galewes, plural of galwe, galowe, from Old English galga, gealga, from Proto-West Germanic *galgō, from Proto-Germanic *galgô, from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰalgʰ-, *ǵʰalg- (“long switch, rod, shaft, pole, perch”). The plural construction probably refers to the vertical and horizontal beams.
Compare West Frisian galge, Dutch galg, German Galgen, Danish galge, Icelandic gálgi.
For the pronunciation /ˈɡæləs/, compare bellows, bodice.

Synonyms

crook, gallow tree, gallows, gallows tree, gibbet, hanging tree, nubbing cheat, Tyburn tree

Scrabble Score: 11

gallows is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
gallows is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
gallows is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

gallows is a valid Words With Friends word