garrotte

American  

[guh-rot, -roht] / gəˈrɒt, -ˈroʊt /

noun

garrotted, garrotting

1. garrote.

---

garrotte British  

/ ɡəˈrɒt /

noun

1. a Spanish method of execution by strangulation or by breaking the neck

2. the device, usually an iron collar, used in such executions

3. obsolete strangulation of one's victim while committing robbery

---

verb

1. to execute by means of the garrotte

2. to strangle, esp in order to commit robbery

Other Word Forms

• garrotter noun

Etymology

Origin of garrotte

C17: from Spanish garrote, perhaps from Old French garrot cudgel; of obscure origin

Example Sentences

It was only a fair example of Malgares's noble courtesy and friendliness to seek thus to mollify in my favor the man whose single word could send me to the garrotte as a spy.

From A Volunteer with Pike The True Narrative of One Dr. John Robinson and of His Love for the Fair Señorita Vallois by Bennet, Robert Ames