gallow

Gallow, also known as a gibbet, is a type of gallows used for the public display of executed criminals. It typically consists of a wooden post, often with an arm projecting outwards, from which the body would be hung by chains. The purpose of displaying the body was as a deterrent against further crime and as a public spectacle. This practice was common in medieval and early modern Europe, as well as in colonial America. The term "gallow" is derived from the Old English word "galga," meaning gallows.

The use of gallows for public display varied in its duration and execution. In some cases, bodies might be left hanging for weeks or months, exposed to the elements and scavengers. The chains used were often designed to prevent the body from falling and to allow it to sway in the wind. The specific design and construction of gallows could vary greatly depending on the region and the period. While the primary purpose was punishment and deterrence, it also served as a grim reminder of the consequences of lawbreaking. Over time, the practice of displaying executed bodies in gallows became less common, replaced by more private forms of execution and burial. The term "gallow" itself has largely fallen out of common usage, though it remains a part of historical and legal vocabulary.