noun
- a gallows with a projecting arm at the top, from which the bodies of criminals were formerly hung in chains and left suspended after execution.
verb (used with object), gib·bet·ed, gib·bet·ing.
- to hang on a gibbet.
- to put to death by hanging on a gibbet.
- to hold up to public scorn.
noun
-
- a wooden structure resembling a gallows, from which the bodies of executed criminals were formerly hung to public view
- a gallows
verb (tr)
- to put to death by hanging on a gibbet
- to hang (a corpse) on a gibbet
- to expose to public ridicule
early 13c., “gallows,” from Old French gibet “gallows; a bent stick,” diminutive of gibe “club,” perhaps from Frankish *gibb “forked stick.” The verb meaning “to kill by hanging” is from 1590s. Related: Gibbeted; gibbeting. “Originally synonymous with GALLOWS sb., but in later use signifying an upright post with projecting arm from which the bodies of criminals were hung in chains or irons after execution” [OED].