GUILLOTINE

guillotine

(noun) instrument of execution that consists of a weighted blade between two vertical poles; used for beheading people

guillotine

(verb) kill by cutting the head off with a guillotine; “The French guillotined many Vietnamese while they occupied the country”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

guillotine (plural guillotines)

A machine used for the application of capital punishment by decapitation, consisting of a tall upright frame from which is suspended a heavy diagonal-edged blade.

A device used for cutting stacks of paper to straight edges, usually by means of a hinged blade attached to a flat platform.

(politics, informal) A cloture; a motion that debate be ended and a vote taken.

A surgical instrument for cutting the tonsils.

Verb

guillotine (third-person singular simple present guillotines, present participle guillotining, simple past and past participle guillotined)

(transitive) To execute, cut or cut short (a person, a stack of paper or a debate) by use of a guillotine.

(transitive) To end discussion on a parliamentary bill by invoking cloture.

Source: Wiktionary

Guil"lo*tine`, n. Etym: [F., from Guillotin, a French physician, who proposed, in the Constituent Assembly of 1789, to abolish decapitation with the ax or sword. The instrument was invented by Dr. Antoine Louis, and was called at first Louison or Louisette. Similar machines, however, were known earlier.]

1. A machine for beheading a person by one stroke of a heavy ax or blade, which slides in vertical guides, is raised by a cord, and let fall upon the neck of the victim.

2. Any machine or instrument for cutting or shearing, resembling in its action a guillotine.

Guil"lo*tine`, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Guillotined; p. pr. & vb. n. Guillotining.] Etym: [Cf. F. guillotiner.]

Definition: To behead with the guillotine.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition