A
bandolier or a
bandoleer is a pocketed
belt for holding
ammunition. It was usually slung sash-style over the shoulder, with the ammunition pockets across the midriff and chest. In its original form, it was common issue to
soldiers from the 16th century to the 18th century, and contained either pre-packed chargers, small containers of wood, metal or cloth containing the measured amount of gunpowder for a single shot with a
muzzle-loading muskets or other guns, or early forms of
cartridges also containing a ball. It might also carry other accessories for shooting, or grenades. Any bag worn in the same style may also be described as a bandolier bag; equally ammunition holding pocketed belts worn round the waist may also be called bandoliers.