pitchets

Pitchets are a type of medieval or early modern projectile weapon. They typically consist of a small, roughly spherical projectile made of stone, lead, or iron, designed to be thrown by hand or propelled by a sling or a simple catapult-like device. The term "pitchet" itself is not universally standardized and can sometimes overlap with other terms for small projectiles such as "pellet" or "shot."

These projectiles were commonly used in sieges and skirmishes. Their effectiveness lay not in their destructive power, but in their ability to injure or disable personnel, disrupt formations, or damage less armored parts of fortifications. They could be fired in volleys to create a barrage of impact, causing confusion and casualties. The materials used for pitchets varied depending on availability and the intended purpose, with stone being common for larger quantities and lead or iron offering greater density and thus more force for their size. Archaeological finds of pitchets often provide insights into the military technology and tactics of the periods in which they were used. While less sophisticated than larger siege engines, pitchets played a role in the overall effectiveness of medieval warfare.