礌
ancient warfare tactic of rolling stones; to strike
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun/verb
to roll large stones down from heights to attack enemies; the tactic of using falling stones in ancient siege warfare
archaicRefers to a specific ancient military tactic used in siege defense. Often appears in compounds such as 礧石 (rolling stones) or 滚木礧石 (rolling logs and stones).
When defending a city in ancient times, soldiers would push rolling stones down from the walls to smash enemy troops climbing up.
Rolling logs and stones were important defensive measures in the age of cold weapons.
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The enemy troops pressed the attack fiercely, and the defenders struck them with rolling stones.
verb
to strike; to hit; to beat
literaryLiterary usage found in classical Chinese texts, often in the compound 礧鼓 (to beat a drum). Rare in modern usage.
The three armies beat their drums, and morale was greatly boosted.
Then they struck the enemy with stones and repelled them.