Grapeshot definition

grāpshŏt
A cluster of small iron balls or other small projectiles, often contained in a canvas bag, that scatter when fired from a cannon, formerly used as an antipersonnel round.
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Such balls or projectiles considered as a group.
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A cluster of small iron balls, formerly fired from a cannon.
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A cluster, usually nine in number, of small iron balls, put together by means of cast-iron circular plates at top and bottom, with two rings, and a central connecting rod, in order to be used as a charge for a cannon. Formerly grapeshot were inclosed in canvas bags.
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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
grapeshot
Plural:
grapeshots

Origin of grapeshot

  • From its resemblance to a cluster of grapes

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • grape +‎ shot

    From Wiktionary

Grapeshot Sentence Examples

  • The effect of artillery cannot be increased by putting squibs into cannon already loaded with grapeshot.

  • Will they get there and fire the bridge or will the French get within grapeshot range and wipe them out?

  • The French had time to fire three rounds of grapeshot before the hussars got back to their horses.

  • Twice they noticed the French appearing below them, and then they fired grapeshot at them.

  • General Campan's division did not seize the first fortification but was driven back, for on emerging from the wood it had to reform under grapeshot, of which Napoleon was unaware.

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Words near grapeshot in the Dictionary