/gal"ohz, -euhz/ , n. , pl. gallowses, gallows .
1. a wooden frame, consisting of a crossbeam on two uprights, on which condemned persons are executed by hanging.
2. a similar structure from which something is suspended.
3. execution by hanging: a crime deserving of the gallows.
4. Also called gallows bitts . Naut. a support on the deck of a vessel, generally one of two or more, consisting of a crosspiece on two uprights, for spars, boats, etc.
[ bef. 900; ME galwes, OE g ( e ) algan, pl. of g ( e ) alga gallows; c. G Galgen ]