BAYONET

A short triangular sword or dagger fixed upon the muzzle of a musket, which is thus transformed into a thrusting weapon. The original invention and subsequent improvement of the bayonet are due to the French, who first used it in the Netherlands in 1647, and the advantages which this weapon gained to that nation soon attracted notice to its merits. In the beginning of the eighteenth century, it was every where substituted for the pike, and in some instances it has decided the i ue of an engagement without a single shot being fired. Many plans have been devised at different times to augment the efficiency of the bayonet, by turning it to the purposes of tilting and fencing; but when the cumbrousne of the instrument to which it is attached is considered, it will not seem surprising that all schemes of this nature have proved abortive. Cavalry are often counted by horses, and vnfantry by bayonets. (See Guibert's E ai general de Tactiq'ue.BAY SALT.Mitchell,(Seeon Salt.)the Use ofA the large Bayonet.)grained salt, obtained by the spontaneous evaporation of sea water in large shallow pits (bays) exposed to the full influence of sun and air; all coarse-grained salt is frequently known under the name of bat) still. [s. 152]