gābălus

i, m.

an old Germ. word, i. q. the modern Gabel (fork); hence, as an instrument of punishment

I. a kind of gallows (syn.: furca, patibulum, crux).
I. Lit.: in gabalum aliquem suffigere, Varr. ap. Non. 117, 15.—*
II. Transf., as a term of reproach, gallows-bird, hang-dog, Macrin. ap. Capit. Macrin. 11.
Lewis & Short
A Latin Dictionary, 1879
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