1. machine for beheading people: a machine for executing people by beheading, consisting of a vertical wooden frame with grooves for a heavy sliding blade to be dropped from a height onto the person's neck. It became famous for its use during the French Revolution.
2. death by guillotine: execution by means of the guillotine
3. instrument for cutting metal or paper: a cutting instrument, especially one for cutting sheet metal or paper, consisting of a platform with a blade attached to one side that is pulled down like a lever
4. U.K. time limit on legislative debate: a limit on the time available for debate on a piece of legislation, designed to speed up parliamentary proceedings and prevent opponents of the legislation from obstructing its progress
[Late 18th century. After Joseph-Ignace Guillotin (1738-1814), French physician]
