noun
- a cluster of small iron balls fired from a cannon as ammunition
Usage: military; historical
Examples
- The artillery loaded grapeshot to defend against the advancing infantry.
- Grapeshot was devastating at close range during naval battles.
- The cannon fired grapeshot that scattered like deadly hail.
- Pirates often used grapeshot to clear enemy ship decks.
- The fortress walls were scarred by grapeshot from the siege.
- Naval gunners preferred grapeshot for anti-personnel attacks.