GUILLOTINE

a machine used in Fra da | for the purpose of decapitating pers st scutenced to death, Its chief featare | v- | heavy iron blade with a sharp, oblir lower edge, which can be made to fall by ir | own weight between two upright pc | grooved for that purpose, on to the ny ~ | of the victim fastened below. Its t ia | ander other names, dates back to ¥ ancient times. A similar instrame "2 | called the ‘‘ Maiden,” was used in Scotls | during the 16th and 17th centuries. 1 h | modern name is derived from that of | e. | Joseph Guillotin, who suggested its ad st | tion during the French Revolution. x. [s. 163]