headsman

American  

[hedz-muhn] / ˈhɛdz mən /

noun

PLURAL

headsmen

1. a public executioner who beheads condemned persons.

---

headsman British  

/ ˈhɛdzmən /

noun

1. (formerly) an executioner who beheaded condemned persons

---

Etymology

Origin of headsman

First recorded in 1595–1605; head + 's ¹ + man

Example Sentences

Even her execution is a bizarre form of theater: the headsman skulking around the platform like a mustachioed villain, the audience gasping like groundlings at each ripple of stagecraft.

From New York Times

The plays, adapted by Mike Poulton from the novels “Wolf Hall” and “Bring Up the Bodies,” end before Cromwell’s date with the headsman, a scene Ms. Mantel will tackle in a third novel.

From New York Times

While Henry VIII, said to be a gout sufferer, could do his explaining with a headsman for anyone bold enough to ask him about his diet, simpler folks may need to settle for a flack.

From New York Times

Another tried to starve his poor wife to death, but Henry VIII's headsman put an end to his activities.

From The Guardian

The crowd enter, the executioner's block is brought on, and the masked headsman takes his place.

From Project Gutenberg