Dictionary entry

Butcher (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Butch″er, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Butchered (�); p. pr. & vb. n.Butchering.] 1. To kill or slaughter (animals) for food, or for market; as, to butcher hogs.

2. To murder, or kill, especially in an unusually bloody or barbarous manner. Macaulay.

was murdered, rather butchered.

Ford.