lupus ferreus

LUPUS FE´RREUSthe grappling-iron used by the besieged in repelling the attacks of the besiegers, and especially in seizing the batteringram and diverting its blows. [ARIES] (Liv. 33.3; Veget. de Re Mil. 2.25, 4.23.)

A grappling-iron used in repelling the attacks of a ram. See Livy, xxxiii. 3.