Bat"ter, n. A backward slope in the face of a wall or of a bank; receding slope.
Batter rule, an instrument consisting of a rule or frame, and a plumb line, by which the batter or slope of a wall is regulated in building.
Bat"ter, v. i. (Arch.) To slope gently backward.
Bat"ter, n. One who wields a bat; a batsman.
Bat"ter*er (-tr*r), n. One who, or that which, batters.
Bat"ter*ing-ram` (&?;), n. 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.