I. ˈga-(ˌ)lōz, -ləz, in sense 3 also -ləs noun
( plural gallows or gal·lows·es )
Etymology: Middle English galwes, plural of galwe, from Old English galga, gealga; akin to Old Norse gelgja pole, stake, Armenian jałk twig
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : a frame usually of two upright posts and a transverse beam from which criminals are hanged — called also gallows tree
b. : the punishment of hanging
2. : a structure consisting of an upright frame with a crosspiece
3. : suspender 2a
II. adjective
Date: 15th century
: deserving the gallows