BAYONET, in the military art, a short broad dagger, formerly with a round handle fitted for the bore of a firelock, to be fixed there after the soldier had fired; but they are now made with iron handles and rings, that
that go over the muzzle of the firelock, and are screwed fast, so that the soldier fires with his bayonet on the muzzle of his piece, and is ready to act against the horse.