grapeshot

[greyp-shot]

noun

1. a cluster of small cast-iron balls formerly used as a charge for a cannon.

grapeshot

/ ˈɡreɪpˌʃɒt /

noun

1. ammunition for cannons consisting of a canvas tube containing a cluster of small iron or lead balls that scatter after firing

Word History and Origins

Origin of grapeshot¹

First recorded in 1740–50; grape + shot ¹

Example Sentences

Some of the bones display wounds from musket balls and from grapeshot that would have been fired from cannons inside the fort or from ships in the river.

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Particle beams called hell lances as well as missiles and grapeshot: “little metal ball bearings, a great kinetic weapon in space.”

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We left our tent, as it was too torn from grapeshot for salvage.

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Art Cullen, 59, acknowledges his editorials may be mere grapeshot to King’s bombast.

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In the Guardian, Orwell expert Tim Crook, a communications professor at Goldsmiths, University of London, wrote that Trump's first days in office have been "an explosion of propagandist grapeshot."

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