'Guillotine' definitions:

Definition of 'guillotine'

(from WordNet)
noun
Closure imposed on the debate of specific sections of a bill [syn: closure by compartment, guillotine]
noun
Instrument of execution that consists of a weighted blade between two vertical poles; used for beheading people
verb
Kill by cutting the head off with a guillotine; "The French guillotined many Vietnamese while they occupied the country"

Definition of 'Guillotine'

From: GCIDE
  • Guillotine \Guil"lo*tine`\ (g[i^]l"l[-o]*t[=e]n`), n. [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. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Any machine or instrument for cutting or shearing, resembling in its action a guillotine. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Guillotine'

From: GCIDE
  • Guillotine \Guil"lo*tine`\ (g[i^]l`l[-o]*t[=e]n"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Guillotined; p. pr. & vb. n. Guillotining.] [Cf. F. guillotiner.] To behead with the guillotine. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'guillotine'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Guillotine'