'Gallows bitts' definitions:

Definition of 'Gallows bitts'

From: GCIDE
  • Gallows \Gal"lows\, n. sing.; pl. Gallowsesor Gallows. [OE. galwes, pl., AS. galga, gealga, gallows, cross; akin to D. galg gallows, OS. & OHG. galgo, G. galgen, Icel. g[=a]lgi, Sw. & Dan. galge, Goth. galga a cross. Etymologically and historically considered, gallows is a noun in the plural number, but it is used as a singular, and hence is preceded by a; as, a gallows.]
  • 1. A frame from which is suspended the rope with which criminals are executed by hanging, usually consisting of two upright posts and a crossbeam on the top; also, a like frame for suspending anything. [1913 Webster]
  • So they hanged Haman on the gallows. --Esther vii. 10. [1913 Webster]
  • If I hang, I'll make a fat pair of gallows. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • O, there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses! --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A wretch who deserves the gallows. [R.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Print.) The rest for the tympan when raised. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. pl. A pair of suspenders or braces. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]
  • Gallows bird, a person who deserves the gallows. [Colloq.]
  • Gallows bitts (Naut.), one of two or more frames amidships on deck for supporting spare spars; -- called also gallows, gallows top, gallows frame, etc.
  • Gallows frame. (a) The frame supporting the beam of an engine. (b) (Naut.) Gallows bitts.
  • Gallows tree, or
  • Gallow tree, the gallows. [1913 Webster]
  • At length him nail['e]d on a gallow tree. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]