guillotine
Beheading device consisting of a metal blade that descends between two posts. It was common in the Middle Ages and was introduced to France in 1791 by physician Joseph Ignace Guillotin (1738–1814), who recommended the use of the guillotine for all sentences of death. It was subsequently used for executions during the French Revolution. It is still in use in some countries.
guillotine
In politics, a device used by UK governments in which the time allowed for debating a bill in the House of Commons is restricted so as to ensure its speedy passage to receiving the royal assent (that is, to becoming law). The tactic of guillotining was introduced during the 1880s to overcome attempts by Irish members of Parliament to obstruct the passing of legislation. The guillotine is also used as a parliamentary process in France.
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