Grape or Grapeshot

views updated

Grape or Grapeshot

GRAPE OR GRAPESHOT. Iron balls, held together in a rack or bag, that scatter when discharged from a cannon. Differing from canister only in that the balls are much larger and hence less effective against personnel, grape was designed for fire against enemy gun batteries, ships, and light fortifications but could also be effective against massed formations.

SEE ALSO Canister.