[Northkeep] Did you know where these expressions came from?

[Chuck Kaun]

Actually a loose cannon was one that was not securely chocked so that when fired, the recoil could throw it across the ship and kill people or take out the ships structure.  The other reason to fasten down these cannons is they could start moving around in heavy seas and cause damage.
 
Karl
 
> to keep a good supply near the cannon. However, how to prevent them from
> rolling about the deck (and becoming a very dangerous 'loose cannon')? >