gallows-bird

A gallows-bird stands in the dock before the judge.

Definition

Noun: - A person who is considered deserving of execution by hanging; a criminal who is likely to be hanged. This term is archaic and often used in a derogatory or humorous sense.

Usage Examples

• (A criminal deemed worthy of hanging.)
• (An insult implying the person deserves capital punishment.)
• (A habitual criminal fated to be hanged.)

Advanced Usage

• "a gallows-bird's neck": an idiomatic expression referring to someone who seems destined for the noose.
  • He had the look of a gallows-bird's neck — thin and ready for the rope. (He appeared fated to be hanged.)

Variants and Related Words

• Gallows (n): a structure used for hanging criminals.
  • The gallows stood in the town square for public executions.
• Gallows humor (n): grim or ironic humor about death or serious situations.
  • The condemned man's gallows humor made the guards uncomfortable.
• Gallows-bird is a compound of "gallows" and "bird," used figuratively. No common variants exist.

Synonyms

• Criminal: a person who has committed a crime.
• Malefactor: someone who does evil or illegal acts.
• Outlaw: a person who has broken the law and is a fugitive.
• Rogue: a dishonest or unprincipled person.

Related Idioms

• "To be fit for the gallows": to be so wicked as to deserve hanging.
  • That villain is fit for the gallows, not for a trial. (He deserves execution.)
• "A gallows look": a sinister or threatening appearance.
  • He gave me a gallows look that made me shiver. (A menacing expression.)

Note: "Gallows-bird" is rarely used in modern English; it appears mainly in historical texts, literature, or as a dramatic insult.