ˈhaŋə(r), ˈhaiŋ- sometimes ˈheŋ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from hangen to hang + -er — more at hang
1. : one that hangs: as
a. : hangman
b. : a workman who hangs up articles to make them easily accessible or to position them for inspection or processing (as smoking, drying)
c. : a member of a hanging committee at an art exhibit
2. : something that hangs, overhangs, or is suspended: as
a. : a decorative strip of cloth (as on a costume or a wall)
b. : a steep wooded declivity
c. : a depending part containing a bearing for a revolving piece ; especially : a metal frame secured to the ceiling and carrying a bearing for overhead shafting
d. : a layer of tobacco leaves or stalks hung on sticks in a curing barn
3. : a device or contrivance by which or to which something is hung or hangs: as
a. : a strap or loop on a sword belt by which a sword or dagger can be suspended
b. : a loop or chain (as on a collar) by which a garment is hung up
c. : a chain or S-shaped rod on which a pot is hung by a pothook
d. : a usually metal or wooden device that fits inside a garment (as a suit) from shoulder to shoulder for hanging from a hook or rod (as in a closet)
e. : a metal strap used to hold an eaves in place
f. : a dangling leather loop or wooden handle that standing passengers in a moving trolley car, bus, or subway train may hold on to for keeping balance
g. : one of the devices upon which a sliding door is sometimes suspended
4. : the written character Ƨ resembling a pothanger and used as an exercise in teaching beginners to write — used chiefly in the phrase pothooks and hangers
5. : a bobbin in bobbin lace holding a thread in one position
6. : a vertical tension member receiving its stress only from the part of a structure directly attached to it
7. : an iron box secured to and projecting from a wall or beam to carry one end of a joist or girder
8. : tangle III
9. : a metal frame for holding photographic film in tank development