Also 9 fusilade. [a. F. fusillade, f. fusilier to shoot, f. fusil FUSIL2.] A simultaneous discharge of fire-arms; a wholesale execution by this means.
1801. Times, in Spirit Publ. Jrnls. (1802), V. 53. From hence were shot those diavolinis and cardamoms, which have been so much admired for their happy illustration of the mitraille and fusillades.
1813. Wellington, in Gurw., Desp., XI. 359. The enemy have a considerable force … and are keeping up a fusillade.
1835. Macaulay, Ess., Mackintosh’s Hist. Rev. (1887), 336. Then came … revolutionary tribunals, noyades, fusillades.
1863. Kinglake, Crimea (1876), I. xiv. 283. This wanton fusilade must have been the result of a panic.
1885. Times (weekly ed.), 16 Oct., 6/2. Notwithstanding the fusillade, no one … appears to have been hurt.
transf. and fig. 186[?]. B. Harte, Sanitary Message, i. I heard the welcome rain, A fusillade upon the roof, A tattoo on the pane.
1863. Longf., Wayside Inn, Birds of Killingw., xxiii. O’er woodland crests, The ceaseless fusillade of terror ran.
1881. Geikie, in Macm. Mag., Oct., 429. The men found relief in fusillades of swearing.
1884. Pall Mall G., 7 Nov., 1/1. The din of controversy, the fusillade of personalities.
