Gal″lows (?), n. sing.; pl.Gallowses (#) orGallows. [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.
So they hanged Haman on the gallows. Esther vii. 10.
If I hang, I'll make a fat pair of gallows. Shak.
O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses! Shak.
2. A wretch who deserves the gallows. Shak.
3. (Print.) The rest for the tympan when raised.
4. pl. A pair of suspenders or braces.
Gallows bird, a person who deserves the gallows. — 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, orGallow tree, the gallows.
At length him nailéd on a gallow tree. Spenser.