Category:Behead

Be*head", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Beheaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Beheading.] Etym: [OE. bihefden, AS. beheáfdian; pref. be- + heáfod head. See Head.]

Defn: To sever the head from; to take off the head of.

---excerpt from the Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Behead - A method of taking away life practiced among the Egyptians (Genesis 40:17). There are instances of this mode of punishment also among the Hebrews (2 Samuel 4:8; 2 Samuel 20:21, 2 Samuel 20:22; 2 Kings 10:6). It is also mentioned in the New Testament (Matthew 14:8; Acts 12:2).