gibbet

[jib-it] /ˈdʒɪb ɪt/
noun
1.
a gallows with a projecting arm at the top, from which the bodies of criminals were formerly hung in chains and left suspended after execution.
verb (used with object), gibbeted, gibbeting.
2.
to hang on a gibbet.
3.
to put to death by hanging on a gibbet.
4.
to hold up to public scorn.
Origin
1175-1225; Middle English < Old French gibet (earlier, staff or cudgel), diminutive of gibe staff, club
Examples from the web for gibbet
  • The gibbet has only increased his glory and made him a martyr.
  • The gibbet was enclosed by a rope into which nobody was admitted but tbo clergy, officers and reporters.
British Dictionary definitions for gibbet

gibbet

/ˈdʒɪbɪt/
noun
1.
  1. a wooden structure resembling a gallows, from which the bodies of executed criminals were formerly hung to public view
  2. a gallows
verb (transitive)
2.
to put to death by hanging on a gibbet
3.
to hang (a corpse) on a gibbet
4.
to expose to public ridicule
Word Origin
C13: from Old French gibet gallows, literally: little cudgel, from gibe cudgel; of uncertain origin
Word Origin and History for gibbet
n.

early 13c., "gallows," from Old French gibet "gallows; a bent stick," diminutive of gibe "club," perhaps from Frankish *gibb "forked stick." The verb meaning "to kill by hanging" is from 1590s. Related: Gibbeted; gibbeting. "Originally synonymous with GALLOWS sb., but in later use signifying an upright post with projecting arm from which the bodies of criminals were hung in chains or irons after execution" [OED].