1. plural of headsman; executioners who carry out beheadings
Usage: historical

Examples

• The medieval headsmen wore black hoods to conceal their identities.
• Royal headsmen were skilled with axes and swords.
• Historical records show that headsmen were often paid well for their grim work.
• The tower employed several headsmen during the Tudor period.
• Many headsmen came from families that had served as executioners for generations.