n. 1. a. A method of execution formerly practiced in Spain, in which a tightened iron collar is used to strangle or break the neck of a condemned person. b. The iron collar used for such an execution. 2. a. Strangulation, especially in order to rob. b. A cord or wire used for strangling. tr.v. gar·rot·ed, gar·rot·ing, gar·rotesor gar·rot·ted , gar·rot·ting , gar·rottes 1. To execute by garrote. 2. To strangle in order to rob. [Spanish, cudgel or baton used to wind a garrotte, execution by garroting, from Middle French garrot, cudgel, baton for garroting, crossbow bolt, from Old French garot, back-formed singular from garos, plural of garoc, cudgel, baton for garroting, from garoquier, variant of waroquier, to garrote, possibly from Frankish *wrokkō, to wrench, wrest, pull; akin to Flemish wrooken, to twist, and Middle Low German wroken, to quarrel; further akin to Middle Low German wriggeln, to wriggle; see WRIGGLE.] gar·roter n. |
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