It was a fierce and direct age, when mistaken pronouns could result in death (What? - Ed.) and so to duels. What happened, and it was frequent, is that a gentleman would perceive his honor threatened and challenge the offender to a duel, to the death.
It became an issue, with the officer class effectively wiping itself out, such that Louis XIV banned dueling in the late 1600s. However, the ban was ineffectual and such mortal combat remains today. Here's a brief Compound infovid, play up boys:
By the monkey, I tell you they played fast.
Damme and Crockford's Forever,
LSP
