Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
verb
To be executed.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: archaic, idiomatic
Synonyms: dance the Tyburn jig, dance on a rope, dance on nothing, dance the hempen jig, dance upon nothing, dangle, hang, ride a horse foaled by an acorn, stretch hemp, string up, swing, take a ride to Tyburn, trine, truss, wag hemp
Antonyms: none provided
History
The phrase originated from Tyburn, an ancient village outside London, where from at least 1330 to the 18th century public executions took place. Prisoners would typically be led from the city of London in an open cart to the infamous "Tyburn Tree", a triple gallows, under which a noose would be placed around their neck and the cart, in which they had been transported to the site, would be driven away, causing them to strangle to death.
