Legal Definitions - hangman

A hangman is an archaic term for an executioner. Historically, this official was responsible for carrying out death sentences, particularly by hanging condemned criminals.

The term "hangman" is an archaic word referring to an official responsible for carrying out the death penalty, specifically through the method of hanging.

• Example 1: Historical Legal Record

  In a preserved court record from 18th-century England, a document might detail the conviction of a highwayman and then state that the "hangman of the shire was commanded to execute the sentence at dawn."

  This example illustrates "hangman" as the designated official in a historical legal context, tasked with performing the execution of a condemned criminal by hanging.

• Example 2: Literary Context

  A historical novel set during the French Revolution might describe a scene where a crowd gathers to witness an execution, with a character grimly observing, "The hangman adjusted the rope, his face impassive, as the condemned man made his final prayers."

  Here, "hangman" is used in a narrative to refer to the individual whose professional duty it was to carry out capital punishment by hanging, reflecting the historical role.

• Example 3: Historical Societal Role

  During a historical lecture on medieval justice, a speaker might explain that certain towns maintained a permanent "hangman" who, despite their grim duties, was often a recognized, albeit feared, figure within the community, responsible for all public executions.

  This demonstrates "hangman" as a specific, recognized societal role or profession in historical periods when capital punishment by hanging was a common practice.