I've often wondered this.
As I peruse the ordnance board reports it often mentions "blinds" in trails. The question is, what is the etymology of the word "Blind" it seems so disconnected with the field? The only answer I can come up with is in ye olde days, a cannon that didn't function normally had a good chance of detonating in the face of the poor sod who had to go and clear the hang fire, and thus cause blindness.
Of course that assumes that the word Blind is used the same as it is today etc etc, and seems rather too neat and not technical enough.
So would anyone know?
As I peruse the ordnance board reports it often mentions "blinds" in trails. The question is, what is the etymology of the word "Blind" it seems so disconnected with the field? The only answer I can come up with is in ye olde days, a cannon that didn't function normally had a good chance of detonating in the face of the poor sod who had to go and clear the hang fire, and thus cause blindness.
Of course that assumes that the word Blind is used the same as it is today etc etc, and seems rather too neat and not technical enough.
So would anyone know?