Scaffold

n. [O. Fr. eschafault, eschafaut, escafaut, escadafaut, N. Fr. échafaud, Pr. cadafalc, Sp. cadafalso, cadahalso, cadalso, It. catafalco, L. Lat. escafaldus, O. D. scafaut, N. H. Ger. schaffot, from the Romanach catar, to view, from Lat. capta-re, to strive to seize (sc. oculis) with the eyes, and It. falco, for palco, a scaffold, stage, from O. H. Ger. pulcho, balco, beam, N. H. Ger. balke, balken.]

1Sense 1. A temporary structure of timber, boards, &c., for various purposes, as for supporting workmen and the materials, in building, &c., for exhibiting a spectacle upon, or for holding the spectators at a show, &c.

Pardon, gentles all, The flat, unwearied spirit that hath dared On this unworthy scaffold to bring forth So great an object. Shak.

2Sense 2. Especially, a stage or elevated platform for the execution of a criminal. “That a scaffold of execution should grow a scaffold of coronation.” Sidney.