Barrosa, or Barosa. In Southern Spain, where a battle was fought on March 5, 1811, between the British army, commanded by Maj.-Gen. Sir Thomas Graham, afterwards Lord Lynedoch, and the French under Marshal Victor. After a long conflict, the British achieved one of the most glorious triumphs of the Peninsular war. Although they fought at great disadvantage the British compelled the French to retreat, leaving nearly 3000 dead, 6 pieces of cannon, and an eagle, the first that the British had taken. The loss of the British was 1169 men killed and wounded.
Bar-shot. An obsolete projectile, consisting of two shot connected by a bar of iron.
Bar-sur-Aube. An ancient town of France, on the Aube, in the department of Aube, where the French under Oudinot and MacDonald were defeated by the allies, February 27, 1814.
Bar-sur-Seine. A town in the department of Aube, France; often ruined and sacked during the wars of Burgundy. It was the scene of a severe engagement between Napoleon and the allies, May 25, 1814.
Bartholomew, St. The massacre of St. Bartholomew commenced at Paris on the night of the festival of this saint. According to Sully 70,000 Huguenots, or French Protestants, including women and children, were murdered throughout the kingdom by secret orders from Charles IX., at the instigation of his mother, the queen-dowager, Catherine de Médicis, August 24, 1572.
Bartholomew, St. A West India island held by Sweden. It was colonized by the French in 1648; and has been several times taken and restored by the British. It was ceded to Sweden by France in 1785.
Bartizan. A small stone closet thrown out upon corbels over doorways and on other parts of mediæval castles, generally for defensive purposes, but sometimes for the convenience of the inmates.
Bascinet. A light helmet, generally without a visor; so called from its resemblance to a basin.
Baschi. A Turkish title, signifying a superior commander, officer, chief, etc.; this title is only used in connection with the office title; the most prominent are:
Toptschjy-Baschi, general of artillery and inspector of forts, etc.