A Military Dictionary and Gazetteer / Comprising ancient and modern military technical terms, historical accounts of all North American Indians, as well as ancient warlike tribes; also notices of battles from the earliest period to the present time, with a concise explanation of terms used in heraldry and the offices thereof. The work also gives valuable geographical information. Compiled from the best authorities of all nations. With an appendix containing the Articles of war, etc.

by Thomas Wilhelm

Buff Coat. A close military outer garment, with short sleeves, and laced tightly over the chest, made of buffalo-skin, or other thick and elastic material, worn by soldiers in the 17th century as a defensive covering.

Buffer, Pneumatic. See [Air Cylinders].

Buffers. See [Hurter].

Buff Jerkin. Originally a leathern waist-coat; afterwards one of a buff color, worn as an article of dress by sergeants and catchpoles; used also as a dress.

Buff Leather. A sort of leather prepared from the buffalo, which, dressed with oil, makes what is generally called buff-skin. In European armies, troopers’ breeches, shoulder-belts, and sword-belts are made of this leather.

Buff Stick. A wooden stick covered with buff leather, used by soldiers in cleaning their equipments.

Bugle-horn, or Bugle. The old Saxon horn, now used by all infantry regiments. By its soundings their manœuvres are directed, either in advancing, skirmishing, or retreating.

Bugler. One who plays a bugle.

Built-up Guns. See [Ordnance].

Bukors. Kettle-drums of the Swedish cavalry.