gibbet
1 of 2noun
gib·bet ˈji-bət 
1
: gallows sense 1a
2
: an upright post with a projecting arm for hanging the bodies of executed criminals as a warning
gibbet
2 of 2verb
gibbeted; gibbeting; gibbets
transitive verb
1
a
: to expose to infamy or public scorn
b
: to hang on a gibbet
2
: to execute by hanging on a gibbet
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Tom Shippey, WSJ, 14 Jan. 2022 Over 1,000 angry citizens rampaged the city; within days, hundreds were arrested and more than a dozen were executed, their bodies displayed on gibbets. Lorraine Boissoneault, Smithsonian, 1 May 2017
Noun
Once again there are gibbet cages and skull racks on display at Tyburn, but the medieval barbarity is compounded by entirely modern displays of wealth and power, their effects felt all the way up and down the social scale. Tom Shippey, WSJ, 14 Jan. 2022 Over 1,000 angry citizens rampaged the city; within days, hundreds were arrested and more than a dozen were executed, their bodies displayed on gibbets. Lorraine Boissoneault, Smithsonian, 1 May 2017 Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English gibet, from Anglo-French
First Known Use
Noun
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
gibbet
verb
as in to pillory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- pillory
- crucify
- lash
- flay
- keelhaul
- upbraid
- hammer
- blame
- scold
- pan
- censure
- slag
- fault
- reprehend
- dispraise
- berate
- excoriate
- knock
- skewer
- criticize
- denounce
- castigate
- attack
- lambast
- dis
- slash
- condemn
- assail
- diss
- bitch
- beef
- lambaste
- clobber
- grouse
- reproach
- crab
- cavil
- carp
- bellyache
- tweak
- complain
- murmur
- kick
- mutter
- blast
- whine
- slam
- moan
- niggle
- grumble
- snipe (at)
- growl
- rebuke
- croak
- chide
- gripe
- admonish
- reprimand
- quibble
- deride
- kvetch
- nick (at)
- reprove
- belittle
- decry
- discommend
- disparage
- drub
- fuss
- put down
- bad-mouth
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- sanction
- indorse
- approve
- commend
- recommend
- endorse
- praise
- extol
- laud
- extoll