Gallowsmaker

/ˈɡæloʊzˌmeɪkər/ noun

Definition

A carpenter or craftsperson who builds gallows structures.

Etymology

Compound word from gallows (execution structure) plus maker (from Old English macian meaning 'to make'), referring to a specialized tradesperson.

Kelly Says

Gallowsmakers were grim specialists in medieval towns—they had steady work, which says something dark about justice systems of the era, but they also needed real carpentry skill since a faulty gallows could become a political disaster.

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