gallows \gal"lows\, n. sing.; pl. gallowsesor gallows. oe.
   galwes, pl., as. galga, gealga, gallows, cross; akin to d.
   galg gallows, os.  ohg. galgo, g. galgen, icel. g=algi,
   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.
      1913 webster

            so they hanged haman on the gallows.  --esther vii.
                                                  10.
      1913 webster

            if i hang, i'll make a fat pair of gallows. --shak.
      1913 webster

            o, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses
                                                  --shak.
      1913 webster

   2. a wretch who deserves the gallows. r. --shak.
      1913 webster

   3. print. the rest for the tympan when raised.
      1913 webster

   4. pl. a pair of suspenders or braces. colloq.
      1913 webster

   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 tree, or

   gallow tree, the gallows.
      1913 webster

            at length him nail'ed on a gallow tree. --spenser.
      1913 webster
see also:
gallowses gallows gallows bird gallows bitts gallows gallows top 
gallows frame gallows frame gallows tree gallow tree