1A public executioner; a hangman. Compare locksman. Now historical.
The lockman was also responsible for the punishment of petty criminals..
2Manx English. A deputy or assistant to the coroner.
The coroner can appoint a lockman for each parish within his or her sheading. The responsibilities of the lockman include summoning juries and witnesses to court and ensuring the execution of judgements. In former times duties extended to maintaining law and order, with the power to arrest in criminal cases..
Origin
Late 15th century; earliest use found in Hary (c1440–c1492), poet. Origin uncertain;.
lockman2
/ˈlɒkmən/
noun
A man employed to attend and maintain a lock on a canal or river.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in The Glasgow Herald. From lock + man.