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| gib·bet [ jíbbit ] |
noun (plural gib·bets) |
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| Definition: |
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1. hanging post: an upright post with a beam projecting horizontally from its top, from which the bodies of executed criminals were hung on public display
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2. crime
Same as gallows (sense 1)
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transitive verb (past and past participle gib·bet·ed, present participle gib·bet·ing, 3rd person present singular gib·bets) |
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| Definition: |
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1. display body after execution: to display the body of a criminal on a gibbet after execution
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2. hang somebody: to execute somebody by hanging
(
archaic
)
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3. attack somebody's reputation: to expose somebody to ridicule or contempt, especially in popular publications
(
archaic
)
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| [12th century. < Old French gibet "staff, gallows" < gibe "staff"] |
