musket ball
Definition
Noun: A solid, spherical projectile, typically made of lead, designed to be fired from a musket. It is a single, non-explosive shot.
Examples
- The archaeologists found several musket balls buried at the site of the historic battle.
- Soldiers would carry pre-measured powder and a musket ball in a paper cartridge.
- The musket ball shattered the bone upon impact.
Advanced Usage
- The term "ball" alone was historically used as a synonym for musket ball in military contexts (e.g., "powder and ball").
- In historical fiction or reenactment, the loading process is often described as "ramming the musket ball down the barrel."
Variants and Related Words
- Round shot: A more general term for solid spherical projectiles used in various types of antique artillery, including cannons. A musket ball is a type of round shot for small arms.
- Minié ball: A specific, conical-shaped bullet that succeeded the spherical musket ball in the mid-19th century, offering greater range and accuracy.
Synonyms
- Shot
- Bullet (in the historical context of muzzle-loading firearms)
- Projectile
Related Phrases
- Powder and ball: A historical phrase referring to the two essential components for firing a musket—gunpowder and the projectile.
- The soldier checked his pouch to ensure he had enough powder and ball for the skirmish.
Noun
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a solid projectile that is shot by a musket
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they had to carry a ramrod as well as powder and ball
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