hempen cravat

hempen cravat

obsolete euphemism A noose used to hang someone. "Hempen" means of or like hemp, a fiber used to make rope. The hangman stood holding aloft the hempen cravat as the prisoner was led into the yard. It was a chilling sight. You'll be wearing a hempen cravat for sure if you get caught. People have been executed for crimes far less serious than what you're planning. The ruthless king never hesitated to make his critics don the hempen cravat.
See also: hempen
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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