battering ram

== English == === Etymology === The heads of some battering rams were carved in the shape of a ram, an animal renowned for butting with its head. === Pronunciation === === Noun === battering ram (plural battering rams) (historical) A heavy object used for battering down walls and gates or a siege engine that includes such an object. A modern device, usually in the form of a metal bar with handles, chiefly used by police and firefighters to force open locked doors. Synonym: (UK) enforcer (figuratively) Something which acts as a powerful tool against something. ==== Translations ==== === References === The Manual of Heraldry, Fifth Edition, by Anonymous, London, 1862, online at [2] === Further reading === battering ram on Wikipedia.Wikipedia