GALLOWS TREE • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Gallows tree

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/gˈæloʊz tri/ Listen

noun

Gallows n. sing. (pl. gallowses or gallows)

A frame from which is suspended the rope with which criminals are executed by hanging, usually consisting of two upright posts and a crossbeam on the top; also, a like frame for suspending anything. "So they hanged Haman on the gallows." "If I hang, I'll make a fat pair of gallows." "O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses!"

A wretch who deserves the gallows. (R.)

(Print.) The rest for the tympan when raised.

pl. A pair of suspenders or braces. (Colloq.)

Gallows bird, a person who deserves the gallows. (Colloq.)

Gallows bitts (Naut.), one of two or more frames amidships on deck for supporting spare spars; called also gallows, gallows top, gallows frame, etc.

Gallows frame.

(a)

The frame supporting the beam of an engine.

(b)

(Naut.) Gallows bitts.

Gallows tree, or

Gallow tree, the gallows. " At length him nailéd on a gallow tree."

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Etymology of 'Gallows tree'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Gallows tree" Quotes from Famous Books

... its weight in gold. Here, lad, here be silver groshen, one for every acorn on that gallows tree; and here is one more for thee, who wilt doubtless be ...

— The Cloister and the Hearth • Charles Reade