Battre (Fr.). To direct one or more pieces of ordnance in such a manner that any given object may be destroyed or broken into by the continued discharge of cannon-ball, or other warlike material; it likewise means to silence an enemy’s fire.
Battre de Front (Fr.). To throw cannon-balls in a perpendicular or almost perpendicular direction against any body or place which becomes an object of attack. This mode of attack is less effectual than any other unless [battering in breach].
Baulois. A piece of punk stuff, used by miners for firing the saucision, or train.
Bavaria. A kingdom in South Germany; conquered from the Celtic Gauls by the Franks, between 630 and 660. The country was afterwards governed by dukes subject to the French monarchs. Tasillon II. was deposed by Charlemagne, who established margraves in 788. Henry the Lion, duke of Saxony, Bavaria, and Brunswick, was dispossessed in 1180 by the emperor Frederick Barbarossa (who had previously been his friend and benefactor.) Bavaria supported Austria in the contest with Prussia in June, 1866, and took part in the war; made peace with Prussia August 22. Took part with Prussia against the French in the Franco-Prussian war, 1870.
Bavier. The beaver of a helmet.
Bavin. The old word for fascine.
Bayberry Tallow. A product of the wax myrtle, used as lubricant for bullets.
Bayeux. A city in the department of Calvados, France, 17 miles west-northwest of Caen; captured and sacked by Henry I. of England in 1106; by Philip of Navarre in 1356; the English took possession of it, 1450; the Protestants in 1561; Lamoricière for the League in 1589, and the Duke of Montpensier in 1590.
Baylen. A town in Southern Spain, where on July 20, 1808, the French, commanded by Gens. Dupont and Wedel, were defeated by the Spaniards under Reding, Coupigny, and other generals, whose force amounted to 25,000.
Bayonet. A triangular dagger, made with a hollow handle and a shoulder, to fix on the muzzle of a rifle, so that its presence does not impede either the charging or firing of the piece. It is said to have been invented at Bayonne, in France, about 1647, 1670, or 1690. It was used at Killiecrankie in 1689, and at Marsaglia by the French in 1693, “with great success against the enemy, unprepared for the encounter with so formidable a novelty.” Bayonets are sometimes made in other shapes. See [Sword-bayonet] and [Trowel-bayonet].