gallows

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

1. n. A device usually consisting of two upright posts supporting a crossbeam from which a noose is suspended and used for execution by hanging; a gallows tree.
2. n. A similar structure used for supporting or suspending.
3. n. Execution by hanging: a crime punishable by the gallows.

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. A wooden frame on which criminals are executed by hanging, usually consisting of two posts and a cross-beam on the top, or of a single post with a projecting arm, from which the criminal is suspended by a rope fastened about his neck: a plural used as a singular, and having the double plural gallowses.
2. n. A similar contrivance for suspending objects.
3. n. Nautical, same as gallows-bitts.
4. n. In coal-mining, a set of timbers consisting of two upright pieces or props and a bar or crown-tree laid across their tops so as to support the roof in a level or in any other excavation.
5. n. In printing, a low trestle attached to old forms of hand printing-presses, to sustain the tympan.
6. n. A central core formed of several cornstalks interlaced diagonally (while uncut) to serve as a stool or support for cut maize which is placed about it in forming a shock.
7. n. plural A pair of braces for supporting the trousers. Also galluses.
8. n. A wretch who deserves to be hanged; a gallows-bird.
9. Reckless; dashing; showy.
10. Very; exceedingly: as, gallows poor.
11. n. Specifically, on the great sheep-raising stations of Australasia, a high wooden frame on which the carcasses of butchered cattle or sheep are suspended; a meat-gallows.

Wiktionary

1. n. Wooden framework on which persons are put to death by hanging.
2. v. Third-person singular simple present indicative form of gallow.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. A frame from which is suspended the rope with which criminals are executed by hanging, usually consisting of two upright posts and a crossbeam on the top; also, a like frame for suspending anything.
2. n. rare A wretch who deserves the gallows.
3. n. (Print.) The rest for the tympan when raised.
4. n. colloq. A pair of suspenders or braces.

WordNet 3.0

1. n. an instrument of execution consisting of a wooden frame from which a condemned person is executed by hanging