chain shot

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.

chain shot

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of chain shot¹

First recorded in 1575–85

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

Round-shot and chain-shot and langridge came showering thickly down upon them.

From Project Gutenberg

The dogs flew like chain-shot through the air, and, with a tremendous splash disappeared from view in the river.

From Project Gutenberg

Close by was a chain-shot, two nine-pound solid shot connected by a foot of heavy links.

From Project Gutenberg

Did they ever fire chain-shot, which would cut down trees and sweep away companies of men?

From Project Gutenberg