headman Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an executioner who beheads the condemned person
    headsman.
  2. noun the head of a tribe or clan
    chief; chieftain; tribal chief.

WordNet

Head"man` noun
Etymology
AS. heáfodman.
Wordforms
plural Headmen
Definitions
  1. A head or leading man, especially of a village community.

Webster 1913