Pronunciation: [hˈɛdzmən] (IPA) 
The word "headsman" is spelled with an "s" instead of a "z" to avoid confusion with "headman" or "headdress." It is pronounced /ˈhɛdzmən/, with the "z" sound in the middle of the word represented by the "s" letter. A headsman is a person who is tasked with executing people by beheading, typically as a punishment for a crime or under the order of a monarch. The word has historical roots in medieval Europe but is not commonly used today.
A headsman is a noun that refers to an official executioner whose primary task is to behead individuals as a form of punishment. This role traditionally existed in various legal systems worldwide and was typically bestowed upon an individual who possessed a specific skillset in the use of a sword or axe. The term “headsman” is derived from the fact that the executioner is responsible for removing the head from the body during the execution process.
Historically, headsman held a significant position within certain societies and often operated under the patronage of the ruling class or monarchy. Their duties extended beyond execution to include other tasks such as torture, corporal punishment, and the disposal of bodies after execution. They were typically clad in distinctive attire and wielded specialized implements like a beheading sword or axe.
In modern times, the role of the headsman has largely been abolished due to the abolishment of capital punishment in many jurisdictions and the advancement of more humane and less gruesome modes of execution. However, the term headsman has retained its historical connotation and is occasionally used to refer to executioners in a broader sense.
Cultural depictions of the headsman often associate them with fear, dread, and a certain aura of mystery. They are often depicted in literature, films, and other media to evoke feelings of terror and dread associated with death and the act of execution.
An executioner.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "headsman" has origins in the Middle English term "heddesman" or "heddeman", which can be further traced back to the Old English word "hēafdesmann". The term is formed through the combination of "hēafod" meaning "head" and "mann" meaning "man". In essence, "headsman" refers to a person who serves as an executioner, specifically beheading individuals.
