gallows

English

/ˈɡæləʊz/, /ˈɡæloʊz/, /ˈɡæləs/

noun
Definitions
  • Wooden framework on which persons are put to death by hanging.
  • (colloquial) A wretch who deserves to be hanged.
  • (printing) The rest for the tympan when raised.
  • (colloquial) Suspenders; braces.
  • Any contrivance with posts and crossbeam for suspending objects.
  • The main frame of a beam engine.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English galwes inherited from Old English ġealga (gallows, cross-beam) inherited from Proto-Germanic *galgô (pole, stake, cross, gallows, rod, beam) inherited from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰalgʰ- (slat, stick).

Origin

Proto-Indo-European

*ǵʰalgʰ-

Gloss

slat, stick

Concept
Semantic Field

Quantity

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Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms