headsman
pronunciation
How to pronounce headsman in British English: UK ['hedzmən]
How to pronounce headsman in American English: US ['hedzmən]
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- Noun:
- an executioner who beheads the condemned person
Word Origin
- headsman (n.)
- "executioner," c. 1600, from genitive of head (n.) + man (n.). Used earlier in sense "chief, leader" (c. 1400).
Example
- 1. And what is the headsman to be paid , if he ever arrives ?