25 September 2017
gibbet
[jib-it]
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 of gibbet
Middle English Old French
1175-1225; Middle English < Old French gibet (earlier, staff or cudgel), diminutive of gibe staff, club
Dictionary.com
Examples from the Web for gibbet
Historical Examples
Long ago the cliff with its gibbet has been washed away by the sea.
Bygone Punishments
William Andrews
The body of Peare was not permitted to remain long on the gibbet.
Bygone Punishments
William Andrews
The gibbet remained for three years, and was then blown down in a gale.
Bygone Punishments
William Andrews
The gibbet was standing until the year 1850, when it was blown down.
Bygone Punishments
William Andrews
I avoided the gibbet which, however, should not have dishonored me as I should only have been hung.
The Memoires of Casanova, Complete
Jacques Casanova de Seingalt
Fire and gibbet had been mercilessly employed to destroy it.
The Rise of the Hugenots, Vol. 1 (of 2)
Henry Martyn Baird
The gibbet and the fearful “estrapade” had not deterred them.
The Rise of the Hugenots, Vol. 1 (of 2)
Henry Martyn Baird
But once a gibbet stood on Wapping Wharf, and pirates were hanged upon it.
Wappin’ Wharf
Charles S. Brooks
Patch: Nothin ‘s been right since that ol’ lady hanged me ter a gibbet.
Wappin’ Wharf
Charles S. Brooks
Skull and Crossbones was too obvious, and my next choice was The gibbet.
Wappin’ Wharf
Charles S. Brooks
Anagram
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Today’s quote
Man as an individual is a genius. But men in the mass form the headless monster, a great, brutish idiot that goes where prodded.
– Charlie Chaplin
On this day
25 September 1780 – American Major General Benedict Arnold, joins the British during the American Revolution, becoming forever known as a traitor. Arnold had been a successful officer. He had trained patriot (American) troops using his own time and money after the government failed to provide the resources he felt necessary for a successful Army. He led troops to victory in the battle of Saratoga, where he was injured. While recuperating, his commanding officer claimed the credit for the victory. Some of his American enemies had him unfairly charged with dereliction of duty. Arnold had invested considerable time, money and effort in the American forces, but felt betrayed and that the revolution had been corrupted. He claimed his only option was to change sides. He eventually moved to London, however, he was not welcomed there because he was seen as a traitor to his own country. He died in 1801.
25 September 1958 – End of World War I in Andorra … Andorra was not invited to the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, so diplomatic peace between Germany and Andorra, relating to World War I, was not settled until this date. Refer to 12 September 1990 for the end of World War II.
25 September 1980 – death of John Bonham, Led Zeppelin drummer. Born 31 May 1948.
25 September 2005 – death of Don Adams, American actor, most famous for his character Maxwell Smart (Agent 86) in the TV show ‘Get Smart’. Born 13 April 1923. Famous catchphrases include ‘missed it by that much‘, ‘would you believe …‘, ‘sorry about that Chief‘, ‘the old [something] trick‘, ‘that’s the second […..] I’ve ever seen‘.