Akademik

gallows

n.pl. (usu. treated as sing.)
1 a structure, usu. of two uprights and a crosspiece, for the hanging of criminals.
2 (prec. by the) execution by hanging.
Phrases and idioms:
gallows humour grim and ironical humour.
Etymology: ME f. ON gaacutelgi

Useful english dictionary. 2012.