Tyburn
is Twa-burne, the “two rivulets;” so called because two
small rivers met in this locality.
Tyburn's triple tree.
A gallows, which consists of two uprights and a beam resting on
them. Previous to 1783 Tyburn was the chief place of execution in
London, and a gallows was permanently erected there. In the reign of
Henry VIII. the average number of persons executed annually in England
was 2,000. The present number is under twelve.
Kings of Tyburn.
Public executioners. (See Hangmen.)
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 More on Tyburn from Fact Monster:
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