Scaffold

,—an elevated stage covered with black cloth, and elegantly fitted up with a gallows and rope, a block and ax, a coffin and shroud, and a basket of saw-dust for the head to roll into. This mode of execution is only used for great malefactors, such as kings, bishops, and prime-ministers. England and France (from history) to take it by turns to execute their kings. France produced the last instance.