Definition

A person who carries out executions by beheading, often in a public setting.

Example

The headsman stood ready to perform the execution in front of the gathered crowd.

Conversation

Did you hear about the movie that features a headsman?

No, I haven't! What's it about?

It's set in medieval times and follows the life of a headsman during the king's reign.

That sounds intriguing! I love historical dramas.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Headsman → The word is formed from "head" (from Old English "heafod", meaning the upper part of the body or the leader) and "-sman" (a suffix denoting a person associated with a specific role). A headsman is a person who is responsible for executing someone, often by beheading, thus relating to the concept of being the one who takes the head.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'headsman' as a person ('-sman') associated with the 'head' — this helps you remember that a headsman is someone who executes by beheading.

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