1. plural of decollation; instances of beheading or the act of cutting off the head
Usage: formal or historical; often used in religious or historical contexts
2. plural of decollation; in art and religious tradition, depictions or representations of beheading, especially of saints
Usage: art history; religious studies

Examples

• The museum's collection includes several Renaissance paintings depicting decollations of Christian martyrs.
• Historical records document the decollations of numerous prisoners during that period.
• Caravaggio's famous work shows the decollation of Saint John the Baptist.
• Medieval manuscripts contain illustrations of decollations as acts of execution.
• The artist specialized in religious scenes, particularly decollations of saints.