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Webster 1913 Edition

Battering-ram

Bat′ter-ing-ramˊ

,
Noun.
1.
(Mil.)
An engine used in ancient times to beat down the walls of besieged places.
☞ It was a large beam, with a head of iron, which was sometimes made to resemble the head of a ram. It was suspended by ropes to a beam supported by posts, and so balanced as to swing backward and forward, and was impelled by men against the wall.
Grose.
2.
A blacksmith’s hammer, suspended, and worked horizontally.

Webster 1828 Edition

Battering-ram

BAT'TERING-RAM

,
Noun.
In antiquity, a military engine used to beat down the walls of besieged places. It was a large beam, with a head of iron somewhat resembling the head of a ram, whence its name. It was suspended by ropes in the middle to a beam which was supported by posts, and balanced so as to swing backwards and forwards, and was impelled by men against the wall. It was sometimes mounted on wheels.

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