shot

1

A unit of liquid capacity used for alcoholic drinks, typically whiskey, usually = 1 fluid ounce. The capacity of a shotglass.

2

A unit of length used for anchor chain on ships, = 15 fathoms = 90 feet. Anchor chains for ships are made up of 15-fathom lengths of chain joined by detachable links. The joins are distinctively marked so a ship's officer can estimate at a glance how much chain is out.

In the merchant marine, the detachable links are painted red. At 15 fathoms, the end of the first shot, the two links on either side of the detachable link are painted white, and 1 turn of wire is wound around the stud of the link on either side of the detachable link. At 30 fathoms, the 2 links on either side of the detachable link are painted white, and 2 turns of wire are put on the second stud on either side of detachable link, and so on for the remaining shots.

In the merchant marine, in the command to let go the anchor the amount to be played out is given in shots; in the Navy it is given in fathoms.¹

1.
Merchant Marine Officer's Handbook, 6th ed.
Cornell Maritime Press, 1965.