guillotine

 
Pronunciation: /ˈgɪlətiːn, ˌgɪləˈtiːn/

noun

  • a machine with a heavy blade sliding vertically in grooves, used for beheading people.
  • a device for cutting that incorporates a descending or sliding blade, used typically for cutting paper, card, or sheet metal.
  • a surgical instrument with a sliding blade used typically for the removal of the tonsils.
  • British (in parliament) a procedure used to prevent delay in the discussion of a legislative bill by fixing times at which various parts of it must be voted on.

verb

[with object]
  • execute (someone) by guillotine.
  • cut (paper, card, etc.) with a guillotine.
  • British (in parliament) end discussion by applying a guillotine to (a bill or debate).

Origin:

late 18th century: from French, named after Joseph-Ignace Guillotin (1738–1814), the French physician who recommended its use for executions in 1789