headsman

[ hedz-muh n ]

/ ˈhɛdz mən /

noun, plural heads·men.

a public executioner who beheads condemned persons.

Nearby words

Also headman.

Origin of headsman

First recorded in 1595–1605; head + 's¹ + man¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for headsman

And above the condemned sinner towered the form of the avenger of sin—the headsman.
The Day of Wrath|Maurus Jkai
An angel proclaiming remission of sins in the house of the headsman!
The Day of Wrath|Maurus Jkai
Rudolph, professor of the headsman's trade, Alike was famous for his arm and blade.
The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 1, Issue 2, December, 1857|Various
The King's head, held up to the people by the headsman, was greeted with the shouts of the multitude.
The Sword of Honor, volumes 1 & 2|Eugne Sue

The headsman has bought them for his wife, and she has not worn them once yet.
Pretty Michal|Mr Jkai

British Dictionary definitions for headsman

headsman

/ (ˈhɛdzmən) /

noun plural -men

(formerly) an executioner who beheaded condemned persons

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for headsman

headsman

"executioner," c.1600, from genitive of head (n.) + man (n.). Used earlier in sense "chief, leader" (c.1400).