Bombardment

( Mil.) An attack with bombs. Specifically, the act of throwing shells and shot into a town, fort, or ship. Sometimes carca es, stink-pots, rockets, hot-shot, and other incendiary mi iles are used for this purpose. The B. of a town takes more effect upon the civilians than the garrison, as the latter, in any well-constructed fortified place, are lodged in bomb-proof buildings. Before bombarding a town, it is customary to give notice thereof, to allow women, children, and non-combatants to leave it. - See SIEGE.