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

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.

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Shares in the health food-focused supermarket chain shot up more than 23% after the announcement.

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Shares of HCA Holdings Inc., the largest publicly traded hospital chain, shot up $7.22, or 9%, to $90.59 in midday trading Thursday.

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At the gate of the citadel stood two long widely gaping eighteen-pounders commanding the bridge, filled with chain, shot, and ground nails; but the Komparajis dare not use their cannons, for in whatever direction they might aim, there were quite as many Turks as Hungarians.

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This time the gun had been loaded with chain shot.

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