hempen halter

obsolete euphemism A noose used to hang someone. "Hempen" means of or like hemp, a fiber used to make rope. The hangman stood holding aloft the hempen halter as the prisoner was led into the yard. It was a chilling sight. You'll be wearing a hempen halter for sure if you get caught. People have been executed for crimes far less serious than what you're planning. The ruthless king never hesitated to make his critics don the hempen halter.