Bat-fowling (Temp. ii. 1), taking birds by night with a light and a net. It is fully described in Joseph Andrews, ii. 10.
Bear in hand, amuse with false hopes, and so keep in one's power. The phrase seems taken from the manége.
Benedicite, the first word of the Canticle called The Song of the Three Children, in the Liturgy. It was generally used merely as an interjection.
Bias, a weight inserted in one side of a bowl, which of course would sway it on one side, and prevent its going straight to the mistress, or jack, at bowls.
Bill on neck (As Y. L. i. 2), "With his sword by his side, a forest bill on his neck, and a chopping-knife under his girdle" (Arcadia, i.).
Bird-bolt (M. Ado, i. 1), a short thick arrow with an obtuse head used for shooting at birds.
Bite the thumb (Rom. and Jul. i. 1) seems to have been making the figo or fig, by putting the thumb between the first and second fingers, and then biting it. It was an expression of contempt or defiance.
Black Monday (M. of Ven. ii. 5), said to be Easter Monday, from the severity of that day, April 4, 1360, by which Edw. III. lost numbers of his men in France.
Block, the mould on which the crown of a hat was formed, hence the hat itself (Lear, iv. 6, M. Ado, i. 1).
Bob, a sudden tap on the face; hence a stroke of satire (As. Y. L. ii. 7). As a verb, to cheat, do out of (Othel. v. 1).