1. 1. A device usually consisting of two upright posts supporting a crossbeam from which a noose is suspended and used for execution by hanging; a gallows tree.
   2. A similar structure used for supporting or suspending.
2. Execution by hanging: a crime punishable by the gallows.

[Middle English galwes, pl. of galwe, gallows, from Old English gealga, galga.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.