n. [ OF. eschafault, eschafaut, escafaut, escadafaut, F. échafaud; probably originally the same word as E. & F. catafalque, It. catafalco. See Catafalque. ] 1. A temporary structure of timber, boards, etc., for various purposes, as for supporting workmen and materials in building, for exhibiting a spectacle upon, for holding the spectators at a show, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

Pardon, gentles all,
The flat, unraised spirits that have dared
On this unworthy scaffold to bring forth
So great an object. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Specifically, a stage or elevated platform for the execution of a criminal; as, to die on the scaffold. [ 1913 Webster ]

That a scaffold of execution should grow a scaffold of coronation. Sir P. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Metal.) An accumulation of adherent, partly fused material forming a shelf, or dome-shaped obstruction, above the tuyères in a blast furnace. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To furnish or uphold with a scaffold. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A scaffold. [ R. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. A scaffold; a supporting framework; as, the scaffolding of the body. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Materials for building scaffolds. [ 1913 Webster ]