gābalus, i, m. an old Germ. word, i. q. the modern Gabel (fork); hence, as an instrument of punishment, a kind of gallows (syn.: furca, patibulum, crux). Lit.: in gabalum aliquem suffigere, Varr. ap. Non. 117, 15.

—* Transf., as a term of reproach, gallows-bird, hang-dog, Macrin. ap. Capit. Macrin. 11.