gallows tree

• Terme historique désignant un arbre utilisé pour les exécutions par pendaison, souvent associé aux châtiments publics ou à la justice sommaire. L'expression est aujourd'hui archaïque et rarement employée dans un contexte moderne.

A historical term referring to a tree used for executions by hanging, often associated with public punishment or vigilante justice. The phrase is now archaic and rarely used in modern contexts.

1. Execution structureC1formal

   A wooden structure used for hanging criminals, historically known as the gallows.

   Potence (structure d'exécution)

   • The prisoner was led to the gallows tree at dawn.
   • In medieval times, the gallows tree stood in the town square.
   • The gallows tree was a grim reminder of the law's severity.