scapegallows

English

Alternative forms

• 'scapegallows

Etymology

From scape (archaic for escape) +‎ gallows.

Noun

scapegallows (plural scapegallowses)

1. (colloquial, dated) A criminal who has narrowly escaped being hanged.
   • 1838–1839, Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby:

     […] And remember this, 'scapegallows,' said Ralph, menacing him with his hand, 'that if we meet again, and you so much as notice me by one begging gesture, you shall see the inside of a jail once more […]

Synonyms

• crack-hemp, gallows bird; See also Thesaurus:gallows bird