gallows, n. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

gallows n.

SE in slang uses

In compounds

gallows-apple (n.) (also gallows fruit) [the victim hangs from the triple tree n.]

a candidate for the gallows.

1830		Lytton Paul Clifford III 126: They’re resolved to make gallows apples of all such numprels (Nonpareils) as you!
1882		Nat. Police Gaz. (NY) 18 Feb. 6/3: McHugh, a red-handed murderer who is sure of the hangman’s noose [...] is the life of the gang of gallows fruit clustered in cells about him.

gallows-bird (n.)

see separate entry.

gallows-blade (n.)

see gallows-bird n. (2)

gallows-clappers (n.)

see separate entry.

gallows-face (n.)

see gallows-bird n. (1)

gallow(s)-grass (n.)

hemp, the material used to make nooses; thus a halter.

1562		W. Bullein Bk of Simples fol. 27: Here is an herbe whiche light fellowes, merily will call Gallowgrasse, Neckeweede, or the Tristrams knot.
1871		Devizes & Wilts Gaz. 19 Oct. 4/4: Thus hemp from its use in providing the halter, is in some books called gallows-grass, while others call it neck-weed.

gallows-trap (n.) [trap n.¹ (3)]

(UK Und.) a policeman.

1822

Life and Trial of James Mackcoull 23: You who have not only fought shy, and bucketed your pells for many a good thing you did, but who, contrary to all rules of honour among family-men, left your friend on French leave, and ran to town as if you smelled a gallow’s-trap at your heels.