chain shot

American  

noun

1. cannon shot consisting of two balls or half balls connected by a short chain, formerly used in naval artillery to destroy the masts and sails of enemy ships.

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chain shot British  

noun

1. cannon shot comprising two balls or half balls joined by a chain, much used formerly, esp in naval warfare to destroy rigging

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Etymology

Origin of chain shot

First recorded in 1575–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chain shot

Dr. Janofsky noted that the ships on the river were firing chain shot and bar shot at the Hessians, ammunition that is designed to destroy a ship’s rigging.

From New York Times ● Aug. 8, 2022

The chain shot to diet fame 10 years ago when Jared Fogle said that he lost 245 pounds by eating Subway fare for lunch and dinner.

From New York Times ● Jan. 28, 2010

The Gaucho holds the smallest of the three in his hand, and whirls the other two round and round his head; then, taking aim, sends them like chain shot revolving through the air.

From The Voyage of the Beagle by Charles Darwin

Now, my masters, load again, this time with double charges, consisting of a half-keg of bullets to each culverin, with a chain shot on top, and the smaller ordnance in proportion.

From Two Gallant Sons of Devon A Tale of the Days of Queen Bess by Edward S. Hodgson

Acres of spinnaker and topgallants broke out aloft, cannon boomed, smoke rolled, "grape and canister" flew through the air, chain shot came hurtling, and the Stars and Stripes waved through it all, triumphant.

From Modern American Prose Selections by Byron J. (Byron Johnson) Rees