swan-shot

A hunter loads swan-shot into his shotgun before going into the marsh.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Type of large lead shot: "swan-shot" refers to large-sized lead pellets used in shotgun cartridges, historically designed for hunting large birds such as swans.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The hunter loaded his gun with swan-shot for the expedition. (He used large lead pellets intended for big game birds.)
  • Swan-shot is rarely used today due to restrictions on hunting swans. (This ammunition is no longer common because of legal protections.)

Advanced Usage

• "swan-shot" as a historical term: In 19th-century hunting contexts, "swan-shot" denoted a specific gauge of shot larger than ordinary birdshot.
  • Antique firearms often required swan-shot for effective long-range shooting. (Historical weapons needed this large shot for heavy birds.)

Variants and Related Words

• Swan (n): a large waterbird of the genus Cygnus, known for its long neck and graceful movements.
  • The swan glided silently across the lake. (The bird is often associated with elegance.)
• Shot (n): small spherical pellets used in shotgun shells.
  • The shot scattered widely upon leaving the barrel. (The pellets spread out after firing.)

Synonyms

• Large shot: a general term for bigger ammunition pellets.
• Buck-shot: another type of large lead shot, though typically smaller than swan-shot and used for deer.

Related Idioms

• "Swan song": a final performance or work before retirement or death (unrelated in meaning but shares the word "swan").
  • The actor's last film was his swan song. (His final noteworthy performance.)

Notes

• Historical usage: "swan-shot" is now largely obsolete due to conservation laws protecting swans in many countries. The term may appear in historical texts or discussions of vintage hunting equipment.