decapitation

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
decapitation
    n 1: execution by cutting off the victim's head [syn:
         {decapitation}, {beheading}]
    2: killing by cutting off the head [syn: {decapitation},
       {beheading}]
from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Decapitation \De*cap`i*ta"tion\, n. [LL. decapitatio: cf. F.
   d['e]capitation.]
   The act of beheading; beheading.
   [1913 Webster]
from Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
DECAPITATION, punishment. The punishment of putting a person to death by 
taking off his head.
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