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Grapeshot: meaning, definitions and examples

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grapeshot

 

[ ˈɡreɪpʃɒt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

military ammunition

Grapeshot is a type of anti-personnel ammunition that consists of a number of small iron or lead balls packed into a canvas bag and fired from a cannon. It was commonly used in artillery during the 18th and 19th centuries to maximize damage to infantry troops. The effectiveness of grapeshot lies in its spread, causing severe casualties over a wide area.

Synonyms

ball ammunition, canister shot, scattershot.

Examples of usage

  • The cannon crew loaded the grapeshot before the battle.
  • Grapeshot wreaked havoc among enemy ranks during the charge.
  • Historically, grapeshot was often used in naval engagements.
  • The old cannon was still capable of firing grapeshot.
  • Grapeshot was notorious for its deadly impact in close combat.

Translations

Translations of the word "grapeshot" in other languages:

🇵🇹 grapeshot

🇮🇳 ग्रेपशॉट

🇩🇪 Schrot

🇮🇩 peluru anggur

🇺🇦 гранати

🇵🇱 grape shot

🇯🇵 グレープショット

🇫🇷 grappes de balles

🇪🇸 bala de racimo

🇹🇷 üzüm mermisi

🇰🇷 포도탄

🇸🇦 رصاص العنب

🇨🇿 hroznice

🇸🇰 hroznová guľa

🇨🇳 葡萄弹

🇸🇮 grozdna kroglica

🇮🇸 þrúguskot

🇰🇿 жүзім оқ

🇬🇪 ყურძნის ჭურვი

🇦🇿 üzüm mərmisi

🇲🇽 balas de racimo

Etymology

The term 'grapeshot' dates back to the 16th century, evolving from 'grape' referring to the round metal balls used in its construction, which resembled clusters of grapes. It combines the words 'grape' and 'shot,' indicating its function as a projectile. The innovation of grapeshot peaked in the 19th century as warfare tactics changed, necessitating more lethal weaponry for close encounters. Used primarily with cannons, grapeshot advantages lay in its ability to cover large areas, making it particularly effective against massed troops. Over time, grapeshot has been partially replaced by more modern forms of artillery, but it remains a significant term in the lexicon of military history, illustrating the evolution of weaponry and battlefield strategies.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,270, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.