late Old English, heafedleas; see head (n.) + -less. Late 14c. as "rulerless, lacking a leader." Related: Headlessly; headlessness. Similar construction in Dutch hoofdeloos, German hauptlos, Danish hovedlös.
the headless horseman
brads are headless nails
header
head-gear
head-hunter
heading
headland
headless
headlight
headline
headliner
headlong
headman