Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Gallows \Gal"lows\, n. sing.; pl. {Gallowses}or {Gallows}. [OE.
   galwes, pl., AS. galga, gealga, gallows, cross; akin to D.
   galg gallows, OS. & OHG. galgo, G. galgen, Icel. g[=a]lgi,
   Sw. & Dan. galge, Goth. galga a cross. Etymologically and
   historically considered, gallows is a noun in the plural
   number, but it is used as a singular, and hence is preceded
   by a; as, a gallows.]
   1. A frame from which is suspended the rope with which
      criminals are executed by hanging, usually consisting of
      two upright posts and a crossbeam on the top; also, a like
      frame for suspending anything.

            So they hanged Haman on the gallows.  --Esther vii.
                                                  10.

            If I hang, I'll make a fat pair of gallows. --Shak.

            O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses?
                                                  --Shak.

   2. A wretch who deserves the gallows. [R.] --Shak.

   3. (Print.) The rest for the tympan when raised.

   4. pl. A pair of suspenders or braces. [Colloq.]

   {Gallows bird}, a person who deserves the gallows. [Colloq.]
      

   {Gallows bitts} (Naut.), one of two or more frames amidships
      on deck for supporting spare spars; -- called also
      {gallows}, {gallows top}, {gallows frame}, etc.

   {Gallows frame}.
      (a) The frame supporting the beam of an engine.
      (b) (Naut.) Gallows bitts.

   {Gallows}, or

   {Gallow tree}, the gallows.

            At length him nail['e]d on a gallow tree. --Spenser.