Crossword Genius

Frivolous person initially finds freedom, we hear, before gallows (15)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flibbertigibbet

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'frivolous person' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'initially finds freedom we hear before gallows' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'gallows' could be 'gibbet' (synonyms) and 'gibbet' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for flibbertigibbet that I've seen before include "Till Eulenspiegel, say" , "Gossip" , "One who's unreliable" , "Fickle chap" , "Frivolous or flighty person" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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