headsman
hedz muhn
- n an executioner who beheads the condemned person
- For a consideration from the condemned or his friends the headsman would leave a small piece of skin remaining so that the ignominy of complete decapitation was avoided.
- A temporary headsman was appointed to act as regent until Charlie's arms grew strong enough to swing an ax.
- The scowling headsman, shouldering a "bloody" ax was the Earl of Birkenhead.