Alice Morse Earle

The pillory and stocks, the gibbet, and even the whipping-post, have seen many a noble victim, many a martyr. But I cannot think any save the most ignoble criminals ever sat in a ducking-stool.

American Historian

Edward Young

One to destroy, is murder by the law; and gibbets keep the lifted hand in awe; to murder thousands, takes a specious name, 'War's glorious art', and gives immortal fame.

English Poet

Conveys a sense of fear as it's associated with cruel historical punishments.

Historic Horror

Rarely used today; more commonly found in historical contexts or literature.

Obsolete Term

Sometimes used to evoke a grim fascination with the macabre aspects of history.

Morbid Attraction

Gibbets in literature symbolize death, justice, or a warning about consequences.

Literary Symbolism

Can be employed to set a dark, eerie, or suspenseful mood in stories.

Create Atmosphere

In heraldry, the gibbet represents more than death; it can signify justice or lineage.

Heraldic Marking

Pay attention to its use in heraldry as it indicates a story or history behind a family.

Symbolic Detail

The verb 'to gibbet' illustrates a violent act. It graphically describes execution by hanging.

Graphic Action

When used as a verb, it often implies displaying the body as a deterrent.