Guillotinist

/ɡɪˈlɑː.tɪ.nɪst/ noun

Definition

A person who operates a guillotine, especially the executioner during the French Revolution.

Etymology

From 'guillotine' (named after Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, though he didn't invent it) plus '-ist' suffix. The guillotine became infamous during the French Revolution (1789-1799).

Kelly Says

This dark historical term reminds us that the French Revolution created a new occupation category—the guillotinist—making it perhaps history's most grim example of technological innovation creating a job.

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