gallows

n. sing.; pl. Gallowses it>or Gallows. [ OE. galwes, pl., AS. galga, gealga, gallows, cross; akin to D. galg gallows, OS. & OHG. galgo, G. galgen, Icel. gālgi, Sw. & Dan. galge, Goth. galga a cross. Etymologically and historically considered, gallows is a noun in the plural number, but it is used as a singular, and hence is preceded by a; as, a gallows. ] 1. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

So they hanged Haman on the gallows. Esther vii. 10. [ 1913 Webster ]

If I hang, I'll make a fat pair of gallows. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses! Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A wretch who deserves the gallows. [ R. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Print.) The rest for the tympan when raised. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. pl. A pair of suspenders or braces. [ Colloq. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

At length him nailéd on a gallow tree. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]