grapeshot

[ greyp-shot ]

/ ˈgreɪpˌʃɒt /

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

Origin of grapeshot

First recorded in 1740–50; grape + shot¹

The French raked them with grapeshot, and soon they came running back nearly frantic with fear.

Ben Comee |M. J. (Michael Joseph) Canavan
The grapeshot tore through it, and twenty-two of the English troops fell dead and wounded.

With Clive in India |G. A. Henty
The rifle fire was heavy and the big guns of Early were sweeping the roads with shell and grapeshot.

The Tree of Appomattox |Joseph A. Altsheler
The shells, the bombs, battered the casemates, the grapeshot paved the trenches with iron.

History of the Commune of 1871 |P. Lissagary

Poor Johnstone was indeed going; a grapeshot had struck him, and torn his belly open.

Tom Cringle's Log |Michael Scott

grapeshot

/ (ˈɡreɪpˌʃɒt) /

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