Bander (Fr.). To unite; to intrigue together for the purpose of insurrection.
Barry. In heraldry, the term applied to a shield which is divided transversely into four, six, or more equal parts, and consisting of two or more tinctures interchangeably disposed. Barry-bendy is where the shield is divided into four, six, or more equal parts, by diagonal lines, the tincture of which it consists being varied interchangeably. Barry-pily is where the shield is divided by diagonal lines, the different colors being interchanged.
Bassinet (Fr.). The pan of a musket.
Bautzen. A town in Saxony, near which desperate battles were fought May 20-22, 1813, between the French, commanded by Napoleon, and the allies under the emperor of Russia and the king of Prussia. The struggle commenced on the 19th, with a contest on the outposts, which cost each army a loss of above 2000 men. On the 20th (at Bautzen), the French were more successful; and on the 21st (at Murschen), the allies were compelled to retire; but Napoleon obtained no permanent advantages from these sanguinary engagements. Duroc was killed at Rachenbach by a cannon-ball on May 22, to the great sorrow of the emperor and the French army.
Beaver, or Bever. That part of a helmet covering the lower part of the face, which shifted on pivots to allow the wearer to drink. The word is derived from the Latin word bevere, to drink.
Bethune. A town of France, in the department Pas-de-Calais; it is strongly fortified, part of the works and the citadel having been constructed by Vauban; taken by the French in 1645; retaken by the allies in 1710, but was restored to France by the treaty of Utrecht, 1714.
Biset (Fr.). Was a member of the national guard who performed his duty in civilian’s dress, before the wearing of uniform on duty was made obligatory.
Blackstock’s Hill. A hill situated in South Carolina, United States, memorable for the victory the Americans gained over the English in 1780.
Blakemere. A village of England, near where a memorable battle was fought between the Scots and the troops of Edward II. of England, in which the latter were defeated.
Blumenau. In Lower Austria; on July 22, 1866, the Austrians in possession of this place were attacked by the Prussians on their march towards Vienna, a severe conflict was interrupted by the news of the armistice agreed to at Nikolsburg; and the same evening Austrians and Prussians bivouacked together.