Definition of "lockman" [lock•man]

• A public executioner. (noun)

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• "“Just the post of under-turnkey, for I understand there’s a vacancy,” said the prisoner; “I wadna think of asking the lockman’s place ower his head; it wadna suit me sae weel as ither folk, for I never could put a beast out o’ the way, much less deal wi’ a man.”"
• "There is another, called the Speech and dying words of John Dalgleish, lockman alias hangman of Edinburgh, containing these lines: -- -- Death, I've a Favour for to beg, That ye wad only gie a Fleg, And spare my Life; As I did to ill-hanged Megg, The Webster's Wife."
• "Stephen Smotherwell, if it like your honour, lockman of this Fair City. I marvel your knighthood knows him not."