''Hung by A Yardarm''

By Crusader1307

Not a "Pirate" invention to be sure, the practice of being "Hung in The Yardarm" is a two-fold examination - that evolved into a method of  Execution . As old as Sailing and ''working the Sails'', originally the term was NOT menacing. Yards were the "cross beams" (wooden) that were used to both stabilize and turn Ship sails. Of varying size, this was accomplished by Windlass and Rigging  (rope). Often Sailor's had to climb up to these Yards  (a dangerous prospect even in good weather), to make the adjustments needed to move the sail to the appropriate angle (by with to capture the ever changing direction of wind). Holding on for "dear life" or hanging from the ends of The Yards (known as Yardarms), was the origin of thus practice. It was a common Naval term. In cases of Mutiny, often the Transgressor and his Confederates were executed by hanging. The body was hoisted high up to the Masts, connected to the Yardarm. Often left as a warming, it so became an effective measure on occasion, by Pirate Crews. The practice was discontinued by most Naval Forces in the 19th Century.