cannon pellets crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "cannon pellets crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SHOT: A general term for small projectiles, often used in cannons, especially for scattered impact in historical contexts.
5 Letters
GRAPE: Short for 'grapeshot', a type of anti-personnel cannon ammunition consisting of numerous small iron balls or lead pellets.
More About "cannon pellets crossword clue"
"Cannon pellets" in a crossword clue often refers to historical ammunition used in cannons before the advent of modern artillery shells. The most common and famous type fitting this description is "grapeshot," which gives us the answer GRAPE. Grapeshot was essentially a cluster of small iron or lead balls, typically the size of musket balls, packed into a canvas bag or tied around a central spindle.
When fired, the bag would break apart, scattering the small projectiles over a wide area, making it devastatingly effective against massed infantry formations at close range. Another similar type was "canister shot," which used a thin metal cylinder filled with projectiles that would disperse upon leaving the cannon's muzzle. While "cannonball" refers to a single, larger projectile, "pellets" specifically points towards these smaller, multiple-projectile rounds like grapeshot or canister shot, or simply general "shot" used for a scattered effect.
Understanding these historical nuances can often give you the edge in solving such clues, as crosswords frequently draw upon a rich tapestry of history, science, and common idioms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Historical Context: Clues about older weapons or technologies, like "cannon pellets," often have historical answers. Think about terms from naval warfare, siege warfare, or early firearms.
- Check Letter Count Carefully: Always verify the number of letters. For "cannon pellets," both SHOT (4 letters) and GRAPE (5 letters) are plausible depending on the specific puzzle's constraints.
- Look for Synonyms and Related Concepts: Sometimes the direct answer isn't available, but a closely related term or a synonym for a component of the clue is. For example, "pellets" might lead to "shot," even if not specifically cannon-related.
- Utilize Cross-Reference Letters: If you have some letters filled in from intersecting clues, use them to narrow down possibilities. This is especially helpful when multiple answers of similar length exist.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of "pellets" did old cannons use?
Old cannons, especially before modern artillery, used various types of projectiles that could be considered "pellets." One common type was grapeshot, which consisted of small iron balls packed into a canvas bag, designed to scatter upon firing for anti-personnel use. Canister shot was similar, using metal cylinders filled with small balls.
How does "grapeshot" relate to "cannon pellets"?
Grapeshot is a direct and historical answer to "cannon pellets." It refers to a specific type of cannon ammunition where many small, grape-sized iron balls or lead pellets were bundled together (often in a cloth bag or container) and fired from a cannon. Its purpose was to act like a giant shotgun, devastating lines of infantry.
Are "cannon pellets" a common crossword clue?
Yes, "cannon pellets" or similar phrases like "cannon shot" are quite common in crosswords, often pointing to historical terms like SHOT or GRAPE (for grapeshot), or even more general terms like BALLS. Paying attention to the letter count and the puzzle's theme can help narrow down the correct answer.