firing-squad
Noun: - A military detachment assigned to carry out a death sentence by shooting the condemned person. - A group of soldiers who fire a volley of shots as a ceremonial honor, typically at a military funeral.
- (A group of soldiers who shoot a condemned person.)
- (A group firing ceremonial shots as a mark of respect.)
"to face a firing-squad": to be executed by a military firing-squad.
- The deserter was sentenced to face a firing-squad. (He was condemned to death by shooting.)
"firing-squad formation": the arrangement of soldiers in a line or row for the execution.
- The firing-squad stood in perfect formation before the command was given. (The soldiers were positioned for the execution.)
Firing party (n): an alternative term for a firing-squad, especially for ceremonial purposes.
- The firing party fired three volleys at the graveside. (The ceremonial group performed the salute.)
Execution squad (n): a group tasked with carrying out an execution, often synonymous with firing-squad.
- The execution squad was composed of twelve soldiers. (The group assigned to kill the condemned.)
- Execution detail: a group assigned to perform an execution.
- Shooting squad: an informal term for a firing-squad that executes someone.
"Stand before a firing-squad": to be in a situation of imminent execution or severe punishment (often used metaphorically).
- After the failed mission, the commander felt as if he was standing before a firing-squad. (He felt he was facing severe consequences.)
"Firing-squad justice": a harsh, immediate form of punishment without trial.
- The rebels imposed firing-squad justice on captured spies. (They executed them without due process.)
Firing-squads are historically associated with military justice, treason, and wartime executions. They are also used in some countries for capital punishment, though their use has declined globally. The ceremonial firing-squad is a separate tradition, often part of military funerals to honor fallen soldiers.