garrote Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an instrument of execution for execution by strangulation
    garrotte; garotte; iron collar.
  2. verb strangle with an iron collar
    garrotte; garotte; scrag.
    • people were garrotted during the Inquisition in Spain

WordNet

Gar*rote" noun
Etymology
Sp. garrote, from garra claw, talon, of Celtic origin; cf. Armor. & W. gar leg, ham, shank. Cf. Garrot stick, Garter.
Definitions
  1. A Spanish mode of execution by strangulation, with an iron collar affixed to a post and tightened by a screw until life become extinct; also, the instrument by means of which the punishment is inflicted.
Gar*rote" transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Garroted; present participle & verbal noun Garroting
Definitions
  1. To strangle with the garrote; hence, to seize by the throat, from behind, with a view to strangle and rob.

Webster 1913