delays the punishment, especially by death

[GoodTaste]

I don't understand why "by" is used here. Because the original punishment is death, so why not simply write as "especially death"?

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reprieve
noun
​
an official order that stops or delays the punishment, especially by death, of a prisoner.

Source: Cambridge Dictionary

 

[GoesStation]

The authorities could punish prisoners many ways: by withholding privileges; by solitary confinement; or even by killing them - that is, by death.

 

[teechar]

Because the original punishment is death

What do you mean by that?