gibbeting








noun

  1. 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.

  1. to hang on a gibbet.
  2. to put to death by hanging on a gibbet.
  3. to hold up to public scorn.

noun

    1. a wooden structure resembling a gallows, from which the bodies of executed criminals were formerly hung to public view
    2. a gallows

verb (tr)

  1. to put to death by hanging on a gibbet
  2. to hang (a corpse) on a gibbet
  3. to expose to public ridicule
n.

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].

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