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

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

As the chain shot out, Dot slipped on the wet logs, and fell into the water.

From Five Little Starrs in the Canadian Forest by Roy, Lillian Elizabeth

There is one apocryphal tale, however, about an experiment with chain shot as anti-personnel missiles: instead of charging a single cannon with the two balls, two guns were used, side by side.

From Artillery Through the Ages A Short Illustrated History of Cannon, Emphasizing Types Used in America by Manucy, Albert

Above was piled a pyramid of millstones, cannonballs, chain shot, iron hooks, and heavy missiles of all kinds, and again over these were laid heavy marble slabs.

From By Pike and Dyke: a Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)