firing-party

A firing-party fires a salute into the air at a military funeral.

Definition

Noun (countable)

1. A group of soldiers assigned to execute a death sentence by shooting: A "firing-party" is a military squad responsible for carrying out an execution by gunfire, typically for a condemned prisoner.

   • The firing-party assembled at dawn to carry out the court-martial's order. (A group of soldiers gathered early in the morning to execute the sentenced individual.)

2. A group of soldiers who fire ceremonial gunshots at a military funeral: A "firing-party" may also perform a salute by firing rifles in the air during a burial ceremony for a fallen soldier.

   • A firing-party honored the deceased general with a three-volley salute. (Soldiers fired ceremonial shots to show respect at the military funeral.)

Usage Examples

• (The prisoner stood before the execution squad with courage.)
• (The soldiers used dummy rounds to avoid harm during the salute.)
• (A group of soldiers was formed to carry out the execution.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be shot by a firing-party": to be executed by a military squad.

  • Deserters were often sentenced to be shot by a firing-party during wartime. (They were executed by a group of soldiers for abandoning their post.)

• "firing-party commander": the officer in charge of the execution squad.

  • The firing-party commander gave the order to aim. (The leader of the squad directed the soldiers.)

Variants and Related Words

• Firing-squad (noun): a synonym for "firing-party"; often used interchangeably.

  • The firing-squad stood ready at the prison yard. (The execution team was prepared.)

• Firing (noun): the act of discharging a firearm.

  • The firing of the rifles echoed across the field. (The sound of gunshots.)

• Party (noun): a group of people assembled for a specific purpose.

  • The search party included volunteers. (A group formed for a mission.)

Synonyms

• Execution squad: a group tasked with carrying out a death sentence.
• Rifle squad: a small military unit armed with rifles.
• Salute squad: a group that fires ceremonial gunshots at funerals.

Related Idioms

• "Face the firing squad": to confront imminent execution or severe criticism.

  • The corrupt official had to face the firing squad of public opinion. (He endured harsh judgment, not literal execution.)

• "A firing-party of critics": a metaphorical group of harsh reviewers.

  • The new play was met with a firing-party of negative reviews. (A barrage of criticism.)