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

Bushwhackers. This term was used during the civil war to designate a class of men who claimed to be non-combatants in the presence of a superior force, and who, to outward appearance, pursued their peaceful avocations, but who did not hesitate, when an opportunity offered, to slay stragglers, and pick off soldiers from ambush. When caught in the commission of such acts they were treated with merciless severity.

Buskins. A kind of shoe, or half-boot, adapted to either foot, formerly part of the Roman dress. They are now worn by some European armies.

Butin (Fr.). Booty or pillage. At the beginning of the French monarchy, and for a long time after its establishment, a particular spot was marked out by the prince or general, to which all persons belonging to the victorious army were directed to bring every species of booty that might have fallen into their hands. This booty was not divided, or appropriated according to the will and pleasure of the prince or general, but was thrown into different lots, and drawn for in common. The soldiers who distributed these spoils were called Butiniers.

Butler Projectile. See [Projectile].

Butrinto. A fortified maritime town of European Turkey, opposite Corfu. The town and fortress are of Venetian construction; taken by the French from the Venetians in 1797.

Butt. In gunnery, is a solid earthen parapet, to fire against in the proving of guns, or in practice.

Butt, or Butt-end. That extremity of a musket which rests against the shoulder when the piece is brought up to a position of firing.

Button. In gunnery, is a part of the cascabel, in either a gun or howitzer, and is the hind part of the piece, made round in the form of a ball.

Buttress. A sustaining wall at right angles to the main wall, which it is intended to strengthen.

Buxar. A town in Bengal near which, on October 23, 1764, Major, afterwards Sir Hector, Munro (with 857 Europeans and 6215 Sepoys) gained a great victory over the troops of the nabob of Oude, 40,000 in number; 6000 of these were killed, and 130 pieces of cannon taken.