BLOWING FROM A GUN Meaning and
Definition
-
"Blowing from a gun" refers to a method of execution historically practiced in certain circumstances, particularly during colonial eras, which involved shooting an individual with a cannon. This cruel and extreme form of punishment was typically reserved for individuals convicted of treason, mutiny, or other serious offenses that were deemed threatening to the governing authority.
In this process, the condemned individual would be tied to the muzzle of a cannon, typically facing outwards. The cannon would then be loaded with an appropriate amount of gunpowder and a cannonball, which together created an overwhelming blast force. Subsequently, the cannon would be fired, resulting in the instantaneous death of the unfortunate person tied to it.
The intention behind "blowing from a gun" was not only to end a person's life but also to demonstrate the severity and sternness of the ruling power, serving as a deterrent for potential dissenters. The act was often performed publicly, aiming to instill fear and maintain control within a population.
Due to its gruesome nature and the persistent advancements in human rights, such executions have long been discontinued and are now widely considered inhumane and barbaric. The phrase "blowing from a gun" has thus become an archaic term evoking a past era of brutal punishment, highlighting the progress made in promoting more humane practices in modern legal systems.
