Baldrick, or Baudrick. A girdle, or richly ornamented belt, worn pendent from one shoulder across the breast, and under the opposite arm.
Bale, or Basel. One of the largest towns in Switzerland; captured and burned by the Hungarians in 917. In 1444 there was a bloody battle fought about a quarter of a mile beyond its gates, called the battle of St. Jacob, between the Swiss, 1600 strong, and a French army that was twenty times their number, commanded by the dauphin, afterwards Louis XII. For ten hours the brave Swiss band kept this large army in check; but nearly all the Swiss fell, not more than 10, according to some accounts, escaping alive. This exploit first spread the fame of Swiss valor, and led to the enrollment of the Swiss body-guard of France. The treaties of peace between France and Spain, and France and Prussia, were signed here, July 22, 1795.
Balearic Islands. A group of islands in the Mediterranean; conquered by the Romans 123 B.C.; by the Vandals about 426 B.C., and formed part of Charlemagne’s empire, 799. They were conquered by the Moors about 1005, and held by them till about 1280, when they were annexed by Aragon. See [Majorca] and [Minorca].
Balista. A machine in ancient warfare used for throwing stones, burning objects, leaden balls, and even dead and putrefied bodies. The latter were thrown to cause sickness in besieged cities.
Balistarium. A store-room or arsenal in which the Romans stored their balistas.
Balister. A term applied in ancient times to a cross-bow.
Balistrier. A name applied to cross-bow men in ancient times.
Balkan. The ancient Hæmus, a range of mountains extending from the Adriatic to the Euxine. Their passage, up to that time deemed impracticable, was completed by the Russians under Diebitsch during the Russian and Turkish war, July 26, 1829. An armistice was the consequence, and a treaty of peace was signed at Adrianople, September 14, following. The Balkan was again crossed by the victorious Russians in the face of all opposition during the Russian and Turkish war, 1877.
Balks. Joist-shaped spars, which rest between the cleats upon the saddles of two pontons, to support the chess or flooring.
Ball. Is a general term applied to every kind of spherical shot fired from a musket, rifle, or cannon. Leaden balls are chiefly used for the small-arms and iron for the artillery. See [Cartridge], [Shot], [Shells].