this post was submitted on 25 Jan 2024
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In truth, there were several reasons that one could decline a duel without loss of honor. For example if the duel challenge was issued with obvious quarrelous intent.
Eg:
"You're a liar"
"No I'm not. What are you talking about?"
"Ah, so you deny being a liar?"
"Yes, wtf are you getting at?"
"Then by your denial, you accuse me of being a liar! This insult shall not stand. I demand satisfaction."
"Lol, fuck off"
Another case would be if one duelist was not of sufficient station to match the honor of their opponent. A freshly-minted bourgeoisie vs a nobleman, for example.
Lastly, duels might be turned down if it were obvious to all that that a significant skill mismatch were at play. For example, a military officer might not be allowed to duel a civilian with sabres. Guns, however, were generally considered more egalitarian.
To be fair only because pistols at the time were so innacurate that even the worlds best shot wouldn't have been able to garauntee a hit. Modern pistols would be a different story.