Public hanging is a form of capital punishment in which a person is hanged by the neck until dead in front of a large crowd. It was used as a form of punishment for serious crimes in many countries throughout history, including the United States. The term 'public hanging' is derived from the fact that the execution was done in public view. The answer to the crossword puzzle is ART, which stands for 'Act of Retribution and Terror'. This phrase is often used to describe public hangings, as it emphasizes the severity of the punishment and the fear it instilled in those who witnessed it.