deathsman

American  

[deths-muhn] / ˈdɛθs mən /

noun

Archaic.

plural

deathsmen

1. an executioner.

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Etymology

Origin of deathsman

First recorded in 1580–90; death + 's ¹ + man

Example Sentences

The deathsman sold me a black coat of mail, a beaked helmet and a dead spear .

From Time Magazine Archive

"Yet our solemn rites deceived us not; the prophet-shadows, dark with terror and red with blood, still foretold that, even in the dungeon, and before the deathsman, I,—I had the power to save them both!"

From Zanoni by Lytton, Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron

Nearer and nearer press the populace,—another moment, and the deathsman is defrauded.

From Zanoni by Lytton, Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron

A little money, kept to give in alms, I have about me: deathsman, take it all; Thou art the last poor almsman I shall see.

From A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 8 by Hazlitt, William Carew

In his appointed hour, all was forthcoming— Judge, axe, and deathsman veiled! and my poor eyes Descry—as would thou saw'st!—a figure veiled, Uplooming there—afar, like sunrise, coming!

From Poems by Hugo, Victor