n. & v.
n. 1 a hist. a raised wooden platform used for the execution of criminals. b a similar platform used for drying tobacco etc. 2 = SCAFFOLDING. 3 (prec. by the) death by execution.
v.tr. attach scaffolding to (a building). scaffolder n.
[ ME f. AF f. OF (e)schaffaut, earlier escadafaut: cf. CATAFALQUE ]