lynch

name

Etymology: * As an Irish surname, from Ó Loingsigh (“descendant of Loingseach”), from long (“ship”). * Also as an Irish surname of Anglo-Norman origin, from De Línse, Gaelicized from Norman/French de Lench, from Lench in Worchestershire, from Old English hlinc (“hill”).

1. A surname from Irish.
2. A placename
3. A placename
4. A placename
5. A placename
6. A placename
7. A placename
8. A placename
9. A placename

noun

1. Alternative form of linch.

verb

Etymology: First attested 1835, from Lynch law, which appeared in 1811. There is a popular claim that it was named after William Lynch, but equally strong arguments would have it named after Charles Lynch. For the surname, see Lynch. Ultimately a possible doublet of linch.

1. To execute (somebody) without a proper legal trial or procedure, especially by hanging and backed by a mob.

   “Public anger erupted. Soldiers were lynched in the streets including young recruits proven to have been deceived by their generals about the true intentions of the attack.”

2. To castigate severely.

   “I telephoned Bill Brandon in Oxford and begged him to get the new refrigeration unit into production before I got lynched.”