Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

headsmen

Noun

/ˈhɛdzˌmɛn/

Definition

Headsmen are individuals responsible for carrying out executions, often by beheading.

Examples

In medieval times, the headsman stood ready at the executioner’s block.
The famous headsman of the French Revolution feared for his own life amidst the chaos.

Meaning

The term refers to executioners who administer capital punishment, typically through the act of beheading. In historical contexts, headsmen were often associated with royal courts.