Definition of "guillotine" in English

noun

1. (historical, also figuratively) A machine used for the application of capital punishment by decapitation, consisting of a tall upright frame from which is suspended a heavy diagonal-edged blade which is dropped onto the neck of the person to be executed; also, execution using this machine.

2. A device or machine with a cutting blade.

3. A parliamentary procedure for fixing the dates when various stages of discussion of a bill must end, to ensure that the enactment of the bill proceeds expeditiously.

4. A legislative motion that debate be ended and a vote taken; a cloture.

verb

1. To use a guillotine (on someone or something).

2. To end discussion (about a parliamentary bill or part of one) by invoking a guillotine procedure.

3. To end (a legislative debate) by invoking cloture.