| 词汇 | hangman-s wages |
| 词源 | hangman’s wages. For half of thirteen-pence ha’ penny wages I would have cleared all the town cages . . . —The Hangman’s Last Will and Testament This term is referred to occasionally in English literature from the late 17th to early 19th century. It means 13 pence and a halfpenny, which was the execution fee (a Scottish mark) set by James I—one shilling for the work and three halfpence for the rope. The nobility were expected to give the executioner up to 10 pounds for beheading them. As time went on, of course, hangmen and headsmen raised their prices like everyone else. |
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