subs. (old).—A woman widowed by the gallows.

1

  c. 1696.  B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v. HEMPEN WIDOW, One whose Husband was Hanged.

2

  1725.  A New Canting Dictionary, s.v.

3

  1748.  T. DYCHE, A New General English Dictionary (5 ed.). HEMPEN-WIDOW (s.), a woman whose husband was hanged.

4

  1785.  GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v.

5

  1834.  W. H. AINSWORTH, Rookwood, ‘Jerry Juniper’s Chaunt,’ p. 89.

        In a box of the Stone Jug I was born,
Of a HEMPEN WIDOW the kid forlorn.
                    Fake away.

6