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scaffold

1. A temporary structure of timber, boards, etc, for various purposes, as for supporting workmen and materials in building, for exhibiting a spectacle upon, for holding the spectators at a show, etc. Pardon, gentles all, The flat, unraised spirits that have dared On this unworthy scaffold to bring forth So great an object. (Shak)

2. Specifically, a stage or elevated platform for the execution of a criminal; as, to die on the scaffold. That a scaffold of execution should grow a scaffold of coronation. (Sir P. Sidney)

3. (Science: chemistry) An accumulation of adherent, partly fused material forming a shelf, or dome-shaped obstruction, above the tuyeres in a blast furnace.

Origin: OF. Eschafault, eschafaut, escafaut, escadafaut, F. Echafaud; probably oiginally the same word as E. & F. Catafalque, It. Catafafalco. See Catafalque.