grapeshot

[ greyp-shot ]

noun

1. a cluster of small cast-iron balls formerly used as a charge for a cannon.

grapeshot

/ ˈɡreɪpˌʃɒt /

noun

1. ammunition for cannons consisting of a canvas tube containing a cluster of small iron or lead balls that scatter after firing

Word History and Origins

Origin of grapeshot¹

First recorded in 1740–50; grape + shot ¹

Example Sentences

Some of the bones display wounds from musket balls and from grapeshot that would have been fired from cannons inside the fort or from ships in the river.

From New York Times

Particle beams called hell lances as well as missiles and grapeshot: “little metal ball bearings, a great kinetic weapon in space.”

From Washington Post

We left our tent, as it was too torn from grapeshot for salvage.

From Literature

Art Cullen, 59, acknowledges his editorials may be mere grapeshot to King’s bombast.

From Los Angeles Times

In the Guardian, Orwell expert Tim Crook, a communications professor at Goldsmiths, University of London, wrote that Trump's first days in office have been "an explosion of propagandist grapeshot."

From Los Angeles Times