Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Garrote \Gar*rote"\, n. [Sp. garrote, from garra claw, talon, of
   Celtic origin; cf. Armor. & W. gar leg, ham, shank. Cf.
   {Garrot} stick, {Garter}.]
   A Spanish mode of execution by strangulation, with an iron
   collar affixed to a post and tightened by a screw until life
   become extinct; also, the instrument by means of which the
   punishment is inflicted.

Garrote \Gar*rote"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Garroted}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Garroting}.]
   To strangle with the garrote; hence, to seize by the throat,
   from behind, with a view to strangle and rob.

Source : WordNet®

garrote
     n : an instrument of execution for execution by strangulation
         [syn: {garotte}, {garrotte}, {iron collar}]

garrote
     v : strangle with an iron collar; "people were garrotted during
         the Inquisition in Spain" [syn: {garrotte}, {garotte}, {scrag}]