ramrod

[ ram-rod ]

noun

1. a rod for ramming down the charge of a muzzleloading firearm.
2. a cleaning rod for the barrel of a firearm.
3. a strict disciplinarian; martinet.

verb (used with object)

, ram·rod·ded, ram·rod·ding.

1. to exert discipline and authority on.
2. to strike or injure with or as if with a ramrod.
3. to accomplish or put into action by force, intimidation, etc.:

   to ramrod a bill through Congress.

ramrod

/ ˈræmˌrɒd /

noun

1. a rod for cleaning the barrel of a rifle or other small firearms
2. a rod for ramming in the charge of a muzzle-loading firearm

Word History and Origins

Origin of ramrod¹

First recorded in 1750–60; ram ¹ + rod

Example Sentences

Once airborne, the skater snaps into a ramrod straight position, tucking the arms and legs into the center of the body and axis of rotation.

From Popular-Science

Her diaries, released much later, revealed a far more passionate woman than the ramrod-backed public image allows.

From The Daily Beast

Huffman says Bunny is a tall, slim presence with ramrod-straight bearing.

From The Daily Beast

I ordered Ramrod to clap a charge of grape into one of the bow-chasers and let drive at the first object that came in sight.

From Project Gutenberg

Miss Becky, meanwhile, sat erect as a ramrod, a look of perplexity screwing her wrinkles all out of shape.

From Project Gutenberg

Ye–es,” said the lad, wincing; “just as if some one was boring a hole through my shoulder with a red-hot ramrod.

From Project Gutenberg

“Yes, we have got the guns,” said the boy; and he unslung the one he carried and began to try the charge with the ramrod.

From Project Gutenberg

Bones, standing as stiff as a ramrod before the office table at which his superior sat, saluted.

From Project Gutenberg