gibbet

Meanings

1. An upright post with a crosspiece used for execution and subsequent public display.
2. The projecting arm of a crane, from which the load is suspended.
3. A human-shaped structure made of iron bands designed to publicly display the corpse of an executed criminal.

1. To execute (someone), or display (a body), on a gibbet.
2. To expose (someone) to ridicule or scorn.

Etymology

From Middle English gibet, from Old French gibet (French gibet), either from Frankish *gibb (“forked stick”) or from Latin gibbus (“hunchbacked”).