noun

grapeshot

grapeshot

The cannon fired grapeshot at the advancing soldiers.

The cannon fired grapeshot at the advancing soldiers.

((grapeshot)) as a noun The ship was hit by grapeshot.

Synonyms: shrapnel, canister shot

From 'grape' + 'shot'. It was named because the small iron balls were clustered together like a bunch of grapes.

Imagine a cannon firing a bunch of grapes, but they are made of iron. This visual helps remember its form and function.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.