gibier de potence

gibier (“game bird”) +‎ de (“of”) +‎ potence (“gallows”). Literally “gallows game (bird)”, similar construction to gallows bird.

• IPA^(key): /ʒi.bje d(ə) pɔ.tɑ̃s/

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gibier de potence m (plural gibiers de potence)

1. a gallows bird (someone destined for or deserving punishment by hanging)
   • 1855, Honoré de Balzac, Modeste Mignon:

     Pourrais-je aimer un lâche, un homme sans foi, sans honneur, un gibier de potence ?

     Could I love a coward, a man without faith, without honor, a gallows bird?

• pendard