Gallows

gal′us, n. a wooden frame on which criminals are executed by hanging—a pl. used as a sing. , and having ( Shak. ) the double pl. 'gallowses' (used also coll. originally for a pair of braces for supporting the trousers): ( Shak. ) a wretch who deserves the gallows: any contrivance with posts and cro -beam for suspending objects: a rest for the tympan of a hand printing-pre : the main frame of a beam-engine.— ns. Gall′ows-bird , a person who deserves hanging; Gall′ows-bitts , a frame fixed in a ship's deck to support spare spars.— adj. Gall′ows-free , free from danger of hanging.— n. Gall′owsne ( slang ), reckle ne .— adj. Gall′ows-ripe , ready for the gallows.— n. Gall′ows-tree , a tree used as a gallows.— Cheat the gallows , to escape hanging though deserving it. [M. E. galwes (pl.)—A.S. galga ; Ger. galgen .]