Gallow

/ˈɡæloʊ/ verb

Definition

An archaic or dialectal form meaning to frighten or to become afraid; sometimes used in older English to describe shaking with fear.

Etymology

From Old English galan meaning 'to sing' or possibly from a Germanic root related to fear or trembling; the exact evolution is debated among linguists.

Kelly Says

This word is almost entirely extinct in modern English, but it survives in some Scottish and Northern English dialects, and you can see its traces in the word 'ghastly,' which originally meant something like 'fear-inducing.'

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