Minié ball

[ min-ee, min-ee-ey; French mee-nyey ]

/ ˈmɪn i, ˈmɪn iˌeɪ; French miˈnyeɪ /

a conical bullet with a hollow base that expanded when fired, used in the 19th century.

Origin of Minié ball

1855–60; named after C. E. Minié (1814–79), French officer who invented it

He had scarcely struck three blows before he fell dead, pierced by a Minie-ball.

The Story of a Cannoneer Under Stonewall Jackson |Edward A. Moore
At the sound of her master's voice the metif woman fell to the ground as if struck by a Minie-ball.

Among the Pines |James R. Gilmore
A Minie-ball had gone through his left arm into his breast and almost through his body, lodging in the right side of his back.

The Story of a Cannoneer Under Stonewall Jackson |Edward A. Moore
Now, for the first time, I heard the keen whistle of the Minie-ball.

The Story of a Cannoneer Under Stonewall Jackson |Edward A. Moore

Two others followed in sharp succession, and there went close by Mary's ear the waspish whine of a minie-ball.

Standard Selections |Various

Minié ball

/ (ˈmɪnɪˌeɪ, French miɲe) /

a conical rifle bullet, used in the 19th century, manufactured with a hollow base designed to expand when fired to fit the rifling

C19: named after Capt C. E. Minié (1814–1879), French army officer who invented it