| Scaffold | n. [ OF. eschafault, eschafaut, escafaut, escadafaut, F. échafaud; probably originally the same word as E. & F. catafalque, It. catafalco. See Catafalque. ] 1. A temporary structure of timber, boards, etc., for various purposes, as for supporting workmen and materials in building, for exhibiting a spectacle upon, for holding the spectators at a show, etc. [ 1913 Webster ] Pardon, gentles all, The flat, unraised spirits that have dared On this unworthy scaffold to bring forth So great an object. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Specifically, a stage or elevated platform for the execution of a criminal; as, to die on the scaffold. [ 1913 Webster ] That a scaffold of execution should grow a scaffold of coronation. Sir P. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Metal.) An accumulation of adherent, partly fused material forming a shelf, or dome-shaped obstruction, above the tuyères in a blast furnace. [ 1913 Webster ] |