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carnefice

executioner

noun kar-NEH-fee-cheh Rare

Origin: from Latin carnifex, 'butcher, executioner' (caro + facere)

Also means

torturer

Usage Note

Carnefice is masculine despite ending in -e, and its plural is carnefici. It refers to an executioner or, more broadly, someone who inflicts suffering on others. The related noun carneficina means 'carnage, massacre.' Do not confuse with carnivoro (carnivore).

Examples

"Il carnefice attese l'ordine del giudice."

Natural Translation

The executioner waited for the judge's order.

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