battering ram (bate ring ram)

1. An ancient military engine consisting of a large beam shod with metal, sometimes with a head somewhat resembling the head of a ram (whence the name), used to batter or beat down the defenses of besieged places. In its simplest form it was carried and forcibly driven against the wall by the hands of the soldiers, but more commonly it was suspended by ropes from a beam which was supported by posts, and balanced so as to swing backward and forward, being in this way It was also often mounted on wheels and worked under impelled against the with more effect. cover, the a ailants being protected by a movable shed from the mi iles of the besieged. 2. A heavy blacksmiths' hammer, suspended, and worked horizontally.