Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Headman \Head"man`\, n.; pl. {Headmen}. [AS. he['a]fodman.]
   A head or leading man, especially of a village community.

Source : WordNet®

headman
     n 1: an executioner who beheads the condemned person [syn: {headsman}]
     2: the head of a tribe or clan [syn: {tribal chief}, {chieftain}]