2007-11-14 22:47:28 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
yes Gary is right it is a naval term,they would hang them from the yard arm so the rest of the fleet could see it as well
2007-11-15 04:40:27 · answer #1 · answered by denco26 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems to be a term closely associated with piracy. The yardarm - the main arm across the mast which holds up the sail. The yardarm was a vulnerable target in combat, and it was also a favourite place from which to hang prisoners or enemies. Black Bart hanged his governor of Martinique from his yardarm.
2007-11-15 06:58:43 · answer #2 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It was capital punishment at sea, the yardarm being one half of the yard, the posts which cross the mast to hold up the sails, of an old square rigger sailing ship
2007-11-15 06:52:41 · answer #3 · answered by Gray Wanderer 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋