CASE SHOT Meaning and
Definition
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Case shot is a type of projectile used in artillery, particularly during the early modern era. It consists of a cylindrical or spherical metal case, usually made of iron or lead, filled with small projectiles such as musket balls or metal fragments known as "sweepings." The purpose of case shot is to spread a deadly cloud of projectiles over a wide area, increasing the chances of hitting enemy personnel or damaging equipment.
When fired, the case shot would burst open in mid-air, either through a predetermined time fuze or by contact with a specific target. This explosion would scatter the individual projectiles, creating a lethal cone-shaped pattern that could cover a large radius. The small projectiles within the case shot had high muzzle velocities and could cause devastating injury or death to anyone caught in their path.
Case shot was especially effective against infantry formations, as it had the ability to mow down large numbers of soldiers in a single volley. It could also be used to target cavalry units, disrupting their formations and causing chaos among the ranks. In naval warfare, case shot was often used to repel boarders or to decimate enemy crews on deck.
Due to its widespread use and effectiveness, case shot was a prominent ammunition type in the artillery of many armed forces until the advent of more advanced explosive shells and modern weaponry. However, its historical significance in earlier centuries cannot be denied, as it played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of battles and influencing military tactics.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CASE SHOT
- xase shot
- vase shot
- fase shot
- czse shot
- csse shot
- cwse shot
- cqse shot
- caae shot
- caze shot
- caxe shot
- cade shot
- caee shot
- cawe shot
- casw shot
- cass shot
- casd shot
- casr shot
- cas4 shot
Etymology of CASE SHOT
The term "case shot" has its origin in the military context, specifically in artillery. It refers to a type of ammunition that consists of a container, usually made of metal, filled with small projectiles such as bullets or pieces of shrapnel. When fired from a cannon or artillery piece, the container would break open in mid-air, scattering the projectiles in multiple directions, spreading the damage over a wider area.
The term "case" in "case shot" comes from the Middle French word "casse", meaning "receptacle" or "box". It ultimately derives from the Latin word "capsa", meaning "chest" or "box". In this sense, "case" refers to the container or casing in which the projectiles are enclosed.
The use of case shot was prevalent in warfare during the 17th to 19th centuries, and the term has been passed down through military history to describe this type of ammunition.
Similar spelling words for CASE SHOT
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