head-hunting

noun

head-hunt·​ing ˈhed-ˌhən-tiŋ 

1

: the act or custom of seeking out, decapitating, and preserving the heads of enemies as trophies

2

: a seeking to deprive usually political enemies of position or influence

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

head-hunting

noun

head-hunt·​ing

-ˌhənt-iŋ

: the practice of cutting off and preserving the heads of enemies

headhunter noun