Ramshorn

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Ram \Ram\ (r[a^]m), n. [AS. ramm, ram; akin to OHG. & D. ram,
     Prov. G. ramm, and perh. to Icel. ramr strong.]
     1. The male of the sheep and allied animals. In some parts of
        England a ram is called a {tup}.
        [1913 Webster]
  


     2. (Astron.)
        (a) Aries, the sign of the zodiac which the sun enters
            about the 21st of March.
        (b) The constellation Aries, which does not now, as
            formerly, occupy the sign of the same name.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     3. An engine of war used for butting or battering.
        Specifically:
        (a) In ancient warfare, a long beam suspended by slings in
            a framework, and used for battering the walls of
            cities; a battering-ram.
        (b) A heavy steel or iron beak attached to the prow of a
            steam war vessel for piercing or cutting down the
            vessel of an enemy; also, a vessel carrying such a
            beak.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     4. A hydraulic ram. See under {Hydraulic}.
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     5. The weight which strikes the blow, in a pile driver, steam
        hammer, stamp mill, or the like.
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     6. The plunger of a hydraulic press.
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     {Ram's horn}.
        (a) (Fort.) A low semicircular work situated in and
            commanding a ditch. [Written also {ramshorn}.]
            --Farrow.
        (b) (Paleon.) An ammonite.
            [1913 Webster]