1. rods used to ram gunpowder and bullets down the barrel of a muzzle-loading firearm
Usage: historical
2. people who are very strict, rigid, or demanding in enforcing rules or discipline
Usage: informal

Examples

• The soldiers cleaned their muskets and checked their ramrods before battle.
• Civil War reenactors use authentic wooden ramrods with their replica rifles.
• The drill sergeants were real ramrods who demanded perfect discipline.
• She complained that her teachers were ramrods who never allowed any fun.
• The coach was known as one of the toughest ramrods in the league.
• Historical ramrods were typically made of wood or metal.
• The new manager turned out to be a ramrod who enforced every company policy.