- OE. hangenhongien, v. t. & i., AS. hangian, v. i., fr. hōn, v. t. (imp. heng, p. p. hongen); akin to OS. hangōn, v. i., D. hangen, v. t. & i., G. hangen, v. i, hängen, v. t., Icel. hanga, v. i., Goth. hāhan, v. t. (imp. haíhah), hāhan, v. i. (imp. hahaida), and perh. to L. cunctari to delay. √37.
- To suspend; to fasten to some elevated point without support from below; -- often used with up or out; as, to hang a coat on a hook; to hang up a sign; to hang out a banner.
- To fasten in a manner which will allow of free motion upon the point or points of suspension; -- said of a pendulum, a swing, a door, gate, etc.
- To fit properly, as at a proper angle (a part of an implement that is swung in using), as a scythe to its snath, or an ax to its helve.U. S
- To put to death by suspending by the neck; -- a form of capital punishment; as, to hang a murderer.
- To cover, decorate, or furnish by hanging pictures, trophies, drapery, and the like, or by covering with paper hangings; -- said of a wall, a room, etc.Hung be the heavens with black.And hung thy holy roofs with savage spoils.
- To paste, as paper hangings, on the walls of a room.
- To hold or bear in a suspended or inclined manner or position instead of erect; to droop; as, he hung his head in shame.Cowslips wan that hang the pensive head.
- To prevent from reaching a decision, esp. by refusing to join in a verdict that must be unanimous; as, one obstinate juror can hang a jury.
