n.
Pronunciation: ' ska-f ə ld also - ˌ f ō ld
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French scaffald, alteration of Old French eschaafauz, escafaut, alteration of chaafaut, from Vulgar Latin *catafalicum ― more at CATAFALQUE
Date: 14th century
1 a : a temporary or movable platform for workers (as bricklayers, painters, or miners) to stand or sit on when working at a height above the floor or ground b : a platform on which a criminal is executed (as by hanging or beheading) c : a platform at a height above ground or floor level
2 : a supporting framework