Wordology, Roughshod

We see this word in the expression "to run/ride roughshod" over somebody or something, meaning to tyrannize or treat harshly.

It came about as a way to describe the 17th century version of snow tires. A "rough-shod" horse had its shoes attached with protruding nail heads in order to get a better grip on slippery roads. It was great for keeping the horse on its feet, but not so great for anyone the horse might step on.

Wordology, Roughshod

The expression "to run or to ride roughshod" over somebody or something, means to tyrannize or treat harshly. During the 17th century, a "rough-shod" horse had its shoes attached with protruding nail heads to get a better grip on slippery roads.