in medieval times, it was common to refer to war casualties as having been 'slain in battle'. I don't know what the etymology of the word is, but I get the imp

in medieval times, it was common to refer to war casualties as having been 'slain in battle'. I don't know what the etymology of the word is, but I get the impression it implies death by close combat. I personally wouldn't describe a bomb victim as having been 'slain'. There could also just be a translation thing going on here, by someone whose first language isn't English.