DECAPITATION

(Lat. dec a pit are, to behead.) A mode of punishment of great antiquity, having been practised by the Jews, Greeks, and Romans, and some other ancient nations. Among the Continental nations of modern times, it has long been the ordinary punishment inflicted on all capitally convicted criminals. During the early period of English history, it was the usual mode of punishing felons; but it afterwards became a punishment appropriated only to criminals of the highest rank, and even to this day it is considered as the most honourable death which a capital offender can undergo. The last instance of the infliction of this punishment in England occurred in 1745, soon after the rebellion in Scotland had been quelled. DECAPOD, Decapod a. (Yunanca köken — orijinale bakınız.) A name applied by Dr. Leach to a tribe of Cephaiopods. including those which have ten locomotive and prehensile appendages proceeding from the head; two of which ari; always longer than the rent, and are called tentacles. Also applied by Covier to designate an order of Crustaceans, comprehending those which have ten thoracic feet. DECAPTERYGIANS, Dec a pterygia. (Yunanca köken — orijinale bakınız.)£. pinion.) A name given by Schneider to an artificial division of fishes, including those which have ten fins. DECARBONIZATION OF ( [s. 333]