"guillotine" Definition

Definitions for the word "guillotine" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. n.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
Any machine or instrument for cutting or shearing, resembling in its action a guillotine.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. t.
To behead with the guillotine.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
1 machine with a blade sliding vertically in grooves, used for beheading. 2 device for cutting paper etc. 3 method of preventing delay in the discussion of a legislative bill by fixing times at which various parts of it must be voted on. v. (-ning) use a guillotine on. [guillotin, name of a physician]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "guillotine" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "guillotine" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
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