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

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

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 Darwin, Charles

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