Gallows-Tree
/ˈɡæləʊz triː/noun
An archaic term for a tree used as a gallows or associated with executions.
Did you know?Gallows-trees often became notorious landmarks, and their presence helped shape legends about cursed woods, restless spirits, and supernatural omens.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵhalg-; *deru-
“Probable root associated with a pole or branch; a separate root meaning firm wood or tree”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*galgō; *trewą
“A gallows or execution pole; wood or tree”
Old English
OE
galga; trēow
“Gallows or cross; tree or piece of wood”
Middle English
ME
galwes; tre
“Gallows; tree, with galwes often functioning as a plural-form noun”
Early Modern English
English
gallows-tree
“A tree used for hanging or identified with an execution site”
Modern English
English
gallows-tree
“An archaic or historical term for an execution tree or gallows landmark”