Gallows Meaning
/ˈɡæləʊz/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA wooden framework on which persons are executed by hanging.
nounA wretch who deserves to be hanged.
Sentence Examples
The criminal was sent to the gallows.
The gallows were already standing on the square.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The criminal was led to the ____ to be executed.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In ancient times, the public square featured a wooden ____ where criminals were executed.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English galwes, galewes, plural of galwe, galowe, from Old English galga, gealga, from Proto-West Germanic *galgō, from Proto-Germanic *galgô, from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰalgʰ-, *ǵʰalg- (“long switch, rod, shaft, pole, perch”). The plural construction probably refers to the vertical and horizontal beams. Compare West Frisian galge, Dutch galg, German Galgen, Danish galge, Icelandic gálgi. For the pronunciation /ˈɡæləs/, compare bellows, bodice.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"No, Sir, 'tis fear of Hanging. Who would not ſteal, or do Murder, every time his Fingers itch'd at it, were it not for fear of the Gallows?"
— 1728, Thomas Otway, “The Atheist, or, the Second Part of the Solider's Fortune”, in The Works of Mr. Thomas Otway, volume 2, London, page 37:
"Ay, and a shrewd unhappy gallows too. / You'll ne'er be friends with him: a' kill'd your sister."
— 1590, William Shakespeare, Love's Labour's Lost:
"The last pair of "gallowses" made by Mr. Gratacap was an order from Mr. Brokaw, the clothier."
— 1882, George William Sheldon, The Story of the Volunteer Fire Department of the City of New York, page 67:
"They've got a gallows bad reputation, but you know what a place the beach is for talking."
— 1892, Robert Louis Stevenson, The Beach of Falesá:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The criminal was led to the ____ to be executed.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In ancient times, the public square featured a wooden ____ where criminals were executed.