\Gal"lows\, n. sing.; pl. {Gallowses}or {Gallows}. [OE.
galwes, pl., AS. galga, gealga, gallows, cross; akin to D.
galg gallows, OS. & OHG. galgo, G. galgen, Icel. g[=a]lgi,
Sw. & Dan. galge, Goth. galga a cross. Etymologically and
historically considered, gallows is a noun in the plural
number, but it is used as a singular, and hence is preceded
by a; as, a gallows.]
1. 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.
         So they hanged Haman on the gallows.  --Esther vii.
                                               10.
         If I hang, I'll make a fat pair of gallows. --Shak.
         O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses?
                                               --Shak.
2. A wretch who deserves the gallows. [R.] --Shak.
3. (Print.) The rest for the tympan when raised.
4. pl. A pair of suspenders or braces. [Colloq.]
{Gallows bird}, a person who deserves the gallows. [Colloq.]
{Gallows bitts} (Naut.), one of two or more frames amidships
   on deck for supporting spare spars; -- called also
   {gallows}, {gallows top}, {gallows frame}, etc.
{Gallows frame}.
   (a) The frame supporting the beam of an engine.
   (b) (Naut.) Gallows bitts.
{Gallows}, or
{Gallow tree}, the gallows.
         At length him nail['e]d on a gallow tree. --Spenser.