檑 (léi) - Defensive weapon — refers to a large wooden & also refers to a battering ram.

檑Tone 2

léi ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

檑 · léi

Defensive weapon — refers to a large wooden beam or log used in ancient Chinese warfare, typically rolled down from walls or ramparts to repel attackers;

also refers to a battering ram.

Defensive weapon — refers to a large woodenalso refers to a battering ram.

Usage highlights

Rolling logBattering ramDefensive beamRolling log weaponWooden defense beamCity defense log

Synonyms

  • 滚木— rolling log (defensive weapon)
  • 撞木— battering ram

Antonyms

  • 盾— shield (defensive vs offensive)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The defenders rolled down wooden beams (檑木) to stop the siege.
  • Ancient Chinese fortifications used rolling logs (滚檑) as defensive weapons.
  • The battering ram (冲檑) was used to break through city gates.
  • Historical records mention the use of rolling logs in warfare (檑具).

Collocations

  • Rolling log(檑木)
  • Battering ram(冲檑)
  • Defensive beam(守檑)
  • Rolling log weapon(滚檑)
  • Wooden defense beam(木檑)
  • City defense log(城防檑)

Idioms

  • Rolling logs and throwing stones(檑木炮石)
  • City defense with rolling logs(城防檑具)
  • Ancient defensive weapons(古代守城檑具)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 檑 was an important defensive weapon in ancient Chinese warfare, particularly during sieges.
  • These wooden beams were often stored on city walls and released when enemies approached.
  • The character combines the wood radical (木) with the thunder radical (雷), suggesting powerful impact.
  • Mentioned in historical military texts and novels like Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

FAQ