transitive. To cut off the head of (a person, animal, etc.); to behead. Obsolete.

Of things: To deprive of the top or foremost part. rare.

transitive. To cut or lop off the head or top of; to decapitate. Also figurative.

transitive. To cut off the head of (a person or animal); to behead, kill by beheading. Also, to poll a tree, etc.