informing gun

A naval officer fires the informing gun across the bow of a merchant vessel.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A signal cannon used by warships: An "informing gun" is a cannon or gun fired from a naval vessel to signal an approaching merchant ship to stop for inspection or search, especially during wartime or blockade operations.

Usage Examples

• (A warning shot to compel the vessel to halt.)
• (A signal gun for maritime interception.)

Advanced Usage

• "to fire an informing gun": to discharge a cannon as a formal warning or signal to a ship.
  • The frigate fired an informing gun to announce its intention to board the cargo vessel. (A ceremonial or mandatory signal in naval law.)

Variants and Related Words

• Informing (adj): serving to give information or signal.
  • The informing signal was a single cannon shot. (A sign conveying a message.)
• Gun (n): a weapon that shoots projectiles.
  • The ship's gun was used for both combat and signaling. (A piece of artillery.)

Synonyms

• Signal gun: a cannon fired to communicate a command or notice.
• Warning shot: a shot fired as a deterrent or signal.
• Maritime signal cannon: a historical term for a gun used in naval communication.

Related Idioms

• "To give someone the gun" (informal): to signal or urge someone to act quickly.
  • The lookout gave the captain the gun to stop the approaching ship. (Not a direct idiom for "informing gun," but related to signaling urgency.)

Historical Context

• The term "informing gun" is largely archaic and specific to 18th- and 19th-century naval practice, where warships enforced maritime law by firing a blank charge or shot as a formal order to heave to (stop). It is not used in modern contexts.