1. A cluster of small iron balls or other small projectiles, often contained in a canvas bag, that scatter when fired from a cannon, formerly used as an antipersonnel round.
2. Such balls or projectiles considered as a group.
(Firearms, Gunnery, Ordnance & Artillery) ammunition for cannons consisting of a canvas tube containing a cluster of small iron or lead balls that scatter after firing
The massed frontal infantry attacks favored by Union and Confederate forces early in the war fell apart in the face of field artillery firing canister and grape shot and the massed fires of rifles accurate to ranges two or three times those of the smoothbore muskets still in use.
The archaeologists uncovered such diverse items as pieces of military artifacts like metal coat buttons (especially the Butler's Rangers type), grape shot, musket balls, gun flints, glass and shell beads, a piece of trade silver, ceramic tableware, wine and other glass bottles, Chinese porcelain and structural debris.
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.