gallows Meaning & Definition
What Does Gallows Mean?
Gallows is a noun that means A wooden framework on which persons are executed by hanging. It is also used to mean A wretch who deserves to be hanged. As an adverb, it means Utterly; very. As a verb, it means third-person singular simple present indicative of gallow.
Word Facts for Gallows
| Part of speech | noun, adverb, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈɡæləʊz/ |
| Synonyms | gibbet, gallous and gallowstree |
Gallows Definition (Noun)
- 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.
- plural of gallow glyph; a specialized, ornate character that appears frequently in the Voynich Manuscript.
Gallows as an Adverb
- Utterly; very.
Gallows as a Verb
- third-person singular simple present indicative of gallow
Noun
- Wooden framework on which persons are put to death by hanging.
Verb
- To frighten or terrify.
Synonyms of Gallows
Gallows synonyms and antonyms →Word Forms & Grammar
gallows (plural gallows or (rare) gallowses)
gallows (not comparable)
gallows
Words That Rhyme With Gallows
Origin of Gallows
Origin 1: From Middle English galwes, galewes, plural of galwe, galowe, from Old English galga (alternative form of ġealga), 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.
Origin 2: Compare West Frisian galge, Dutch galg, German Galgen, Danish galge, Icelandic gálgi.
Origin 3: For the pronunciation /ˈɡæləs/, compare bellows, bodice.