Gallowsness

/ˈɡæloʊznəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being deserving of hanging; extreme wickedness or criminal nature.

Etymology

From gallows plus the noun-forming suffix -ness, meaning 'the quality or state of being related to gallows or deserving of execution.'

Kelly Says

In old literature and ballads, characters accused of 'gallowsness' had a kind of dark romanticism—especially if they were outlaws like Robin Hood, whose crimes were so famous that their gallowsness almost became a badge of honor.

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