guillotine

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun closure imposed on the debate of specific sections of a bill
  2. noun instrument of execution that consists of a weighted blade between two vertical poles; used for beheading people
  3. verb kill by cutting the head off with a guillotine

Etymology

Borrowed from French guillotine, named after the French physician Joseph-Ignace Guillotin (1738–1814), who proposed its use for capital punishment.

In classic literature

Synonyms

closure by compartment

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