Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

buckshot

[buhk-shot]
See more synonyms for buckshot on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a large size of lead shot used in shotgun shells for hunting game, as pheasants or ducks.
Show More

Origin of buckshot

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at buck1, shot1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for buckshot

Historical Examples

  • See, here's where a buckshot from your gun struck him in the side.

    With Trapper Jim in the North Woods

    Lawrence J. Leslie

  • And Bob held out to him a handful of buckshot and rifle-bullets.

  • If there are any shotguns in the place bring two back with plenty of buckshot shells.

    The End of Time

    Wallace West

  • One barrel was loaded with a heavy charge of buckshot, and the other with a slug.

    The Boy Settlers

    Noah Brooks

  • I was armed with my double-barrelled shotgun loaded with buckshot.

British Dictionary definitions for buckshot

buckshot

noun
  1. lead shot of large size used in shotgun shells, esp for hunting game
Show More

Word Origin

C15 (original sense: the distance at which a buck can be shot)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for buckshot

n.

coarse kind of shot used for deer and other large game, 1776, from buck (n.1) + shot (n.).

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper