gibbet
- 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.
- to hang on a gibbet.
- to put to death by hanging on a gibbet.
- to hold up to public scorn.
Origin of gibbet
Related Words for gibbet
clog, congest, drown, suffocate, kill, gag, gasp, strangle, stifle, fill, stretch, execute, hoist, swing, scaffold, rope, hanging, noose, potence, gibbetExamples from the Web for gibbet
Historical Examples of gibbet
Long ago the cliff with its gibbet has been washed away by the sea.
Bygone PunishmentsWilliam Andrews
The gibbet remained for three years, and was then blown down in a gale.
Bygone PunishmentsWilliam Andrews
The body of Peare was not permitted to remain long on the gibbet.
Bygone PunishmentsWilliam Andrews
The gibbet was standing until the year 1850, when it was blown down.
Bygone PunishmentsWilliam Andrews
I avoided the gibbet which, however, should not have dishonored me as I should only have been hung.
The Memoires of Casanova, CompleteJacques Casanova de Seingalt
gibbet
- a wooden structure resembling a gallows, from which the bodies of executed criminals were formerly hung to public view
- a gallows
- 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
Word Origin and History for 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].