Gallowses

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Gallows \Gal"lows\, n. sing.; pl. {Gallowses}or {Gallows}. [OE.
     galwes, pl., AS. galga, gealga, gallows, cross; akin to D.
     galg gallows, OS. & OHG. galgo, G. galgen, Icel. g[=a]lgi,
     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.
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              So they hanged Haman on the gallows.  --Esther vii.
                                                    10.
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              If I hang, I'll make a fat pair of gallows. --Shak.
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              O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses!
                                                    --Shak.
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     2. A wretch who deserves the gallows. [R.] --Shak.
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     3. (Print.) The rest for the tympan when raised.
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     4. pl. A pair of suspenders or braces. [Colloq.]
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     {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 tree}, or
  
     {Gallow tree}, the gallows.
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              At length him nail['e]d on a gallow tree. --Spenser.
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