gallows — a wooden frame with a rope for hanging criminals as punishment
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a wooden frame with a rope for hanging criminals as punishment
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɡæloʊz/
Example Sentences
- His gallows humor helped him cope with the dire situation.
- The old western movie featured a dramatic scene at the town gallows.
- Even facing the gallows, the pirate captain kept cracking jokes.
gallows
NOUN[/ˈɡæloʊz/]
a wooden frame with a rope for hanging criminals as punishment
Crowds gather silently as the condemned man climbs the wooden gallows at dawn.
Poor fellows stand by gallows while the blacksmith pumps his bellows
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Middle English 'galwes', which is related to Old Norse 'galgi' (gallows). The term ultimately originates from a Germanic root meaning 'stick' or 'pole', reflecting the wooden structure's fundamental nature.
Breakdown
Middle English 'galwes' from Old Norse 'galgi', derived from Proto-Germanic roots meaning 'pole' or 'stick' (gal-), with the plural or instrumental suffix -wes/-ows forming the modern English 'gallows'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His gallows humor helped him cope with the dire situation.”
“The old western movie featured a dramatic scene at the town gallows.”
“Even facing the gallows, the pirate captain kept cracking jokes.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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