gibbet
[ jib-it ]
/ ˈdʒɪb ɪt /
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.
Nearby words
Origin of gibbet
1175–1225; Middle English < Old French gibet (earlier, staff or cudgel), diminutive of gibe staff, club
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for gibbet
British Dictionary definitions for gibbet
gibbet
/ (ˈdʒɪbɪt) /
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
Word Origin for gibbet
C13: from Old French gibet gallows, literally: little cudgel, from gibe cudgel; of uncertain origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for gibbet
gibbet
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].
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper