firing party
Noun: 1. A military squad formed to fire volleys at a military funeral: A group of soldiers assigned the duty of firing shots into the air as a ceremonial salute to honor a deceased service member. 2. A military squad formed to carry out a military execution: A group of soldiers assigned the duty of firing their weapons at a condemned person to carry out a death sentence.
The term "firing party" is used in formal, military contexts. The specific meaning is determined by the situation: a funeral or an execution. * The firing party stood at attention during the burial service. * The prisoner was led before the firing party.
- At the state funeral, a firing party fired three volleys in a final salute.
- The court-martial sentenced the officer to death, and a firing party was assembled at dawn.
- The phrase is often associated with formal rituals and carries a solemn, serious tone.
- In historical accounts, it is commonly used to describe both ceremonial honors and punitive actions.
- Firing squad (noun): This is a more common synonym, especially for the execution context. It is often used interchangeably with "firing party."
- He was executed by a firing squad.
- For the execution context: execution squad, firing squad.
- For the funeral context: honor guard (though this is a broader term for a ceremonial unit).
The two meanings of "firing party" are distinct and context-dependent: 1. The funeral meaning is an act of honor and respect. 2. The execution meaning is an act of carrying out a capital punishment.
The shared element is the coordinated firing of weapons by a designated military unit.
- a squad formed to fire volleys at a military funeral or to carry out a military execution