gar·rote or gar·rotte (gə-rŏt', -rōt')
n.

1. 1. A method of execution formerly practiced in Spain, in which a tightened iron collar is used to strangle or break the neck of a condemned person.
   2. The iron collar used for such an execution.
2. 1. Strangulation, especially in order to rob.
   2. A cord or wire used for strangling.

tr.v., -rot·ed, or -rot·ted, -rot·ing, or -rot·ting, -rotes, or -rottes.

1. To execute by garrote.
2. To strangle in order to rob.

[Spanish, cudgel, instrument of torture, possibly from Old French garrot, perhaps from garoquier, to struggle.]

garroter gar·rot'er n.

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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.

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