Gallows-tree, also known as a hanging tree or a hangman's tree, is a term that refers to a tree used for the execution of criminals by hanging. However, there are several other synonyms for the word gallows-tree, including gibbet, scaffold, and noose tree. A gibbet was used to hang the bodies of convicted criminals as a warning to others, while a scaffold was a raised platform used for executions in public places. Noose tree was a term used to describe trees specifically selected for their suitability for hangings. While these terms are no longer in common usage, they provide an insight into the macabre history of capital punishment.