gallows etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: galwes, galwe
  • Old English: gealga
  • Proto-Germanic: *galgô
  • Proto-Indo-European: *gʰelgʰ- ("to hang")

Meaning: A gallows is a wooden framework with a crossbeam from which criminals or prisoners were hanged. It can also refer to any similar structure used for hanging or execution.

Origin: The word "gallows" comes from the Old English word "gealga," which meant "pole" or "beam." This word is related to the Proto-Germanic root *galgô, which also means "to hang." The Proto-Indo-European root *gʰelgʰ- has the same meaning, indicating that the concept of hanging has been present in human languages for thousands of years.

Additional Notes:

  • The gallows has been used as a method of execution for centuries in many cultures around the world.
  • The term "gallows humor" refers to a type of humor that is found in the face of adversity or death.
  • The gallows can also be used symbolically to represent death or punishment.

gallows relate terms

  • gallow

    Etymology The word gallow is derived from the Old English word galga which means t

  • gallows

    Etymology Middle English galwes galwe Old English gealga Proto Germanic galgô Pro

  • gauge

    Etymology The word gauge comes from the Old French word gage meaning pledge or securi

  • gallows

    Etymology Middle English galwes galwe Old English gealga Proto Germanic galgô Pro

  • derrick

    Etymology The name Derrick is derived from the Dutch or Low German surname Derk whi

  • Stonehenge

    Etymology of Stonehenge The name Stonehenge is derived from two Old English words St

  • tree

    Etymology The word tree is derived from the following roots Proto Indo European PI

  • cart

    Etymology The word cart comes from the Middle English word carte which ultimately d

  • fork

    Etymology Old English forc Middle English forke Proto Germanic furkô Proto Indo

  • beam

    Etymology The word beam has several different origins Old English bēam log tre

  • halter

    Etymology The word halter has multiple etymological origins Old English healftre

  • lather

    Etymology Middle English lathren Old English liðre Proto Germanic _liðra_ Meani

  • hemp

    Etymology The word hemp has a complex etymology with origins in several languages O