I. ˈga(ˌ)lōz, -_ləz, in sense 3 & archaic or dial in other senses -_ləs noun
( plural gallows or gallowses )
Etymology: Middle English galwes, plural of galwe, from Old English galga, gealga; akin to Old High German galgo gallows, Old Norse galgi gallows, Gothic galga cross, Armenian jatk twig
1.
a. : a frame usually of two upright posts and a crossbeam from which is suspended the rope with which criminals are executed by hanging — compare gibbet
b. : the punishment of hanging
a crime worthy of the gallows
c. : gallows bird
2. : a structure consisting of an upright frame with a crosspiece: as
a. : a rest for the tympan of a hand printing press when raised
b. : gallows bitt
c. or gallows frame : the headframe of a mine
d. : a timber structure for butchering cattle
3. : gallus III
II. adjective
or gal·lous or gal·lus -_ləs
Etymology: Middle English gallowus, from galwes, n.
1. : deserving the gallows
2. now dialect chiefly Britain
a. : wild and villainous
b. : mischievous , rascally