gallows
UK[ˈɡæləʊz]US[ˈɡæloʊz]
n
a structure used for hanging criminals, consisting of a wooden frame with a rope suspended from it.
n
the punishment of death by hanging.
Etymology
the word "gallows" has a direct lineage from old english galga, which referred broadly to a pole or cross. this term descended from the proto-germanic galgon-, a concept denoting a rod or perch. the semantic narrowing from a general pole to the specific structure for execution is a development seen in old english and reinforced by its cognates in other germanic languages. its plural form, now used for a singular structure, became standard in middle english, solidifying its modern, grimly specific meaning.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. its origin is old english galga, meaning "cross, gallows," from proto-germanic galgon-.
Examples
the condemned man was led to the gallows at dawn.
in the old town square, the gallows stood as a grim warning.
the judge sentenced the pirate to the gallows.