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

The third fire-ship was received with the fire of four cannon loaded with chain shot.

From When London Burned : a Story of Restoration Times and the Great Fire by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

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

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 Hodgson, Edward S.