food for powder

They were just common men in the ranks, in the era when the private soldier was simply so much food for powder.

They know they'd only be food for powder.

By law the gypsies are now established as Spaniards, with full claim to Spanish rights and privileges—Nuevos Castellanos, as they have been called since the day when Spain bethought her of these Ishmaels as "food for powder" 134 and subjected them to the regular military draft.

Before another return of it, how many of these fine fellows were food for powder and worms.

The Manchus live and dress like the Chinese, and supply the best food for powder in China.