a small body of infantry, ranged in form of battle, and ready to engage.

A battalion usually contains from 500 to 800 men; but the number it consists of is not determined. They are armed with firelocks, swords, and bayonets; and divided into 13 companies, one of which is grenadiers. They are usually drawn up three men deep. Some regiments consist of but one battalion, others are divided into four or five.

BATATAS, the Indian name of the potato. See CONVOLVULUS.

BATTLE, a town of Sussex, five miles north-west of Hastings, situated in E. Long. o° 35'. N. Lat. 50° 55'. It was formerly called Epion; and is the place where William the Conqueror vanquished Harold king of England on October 14, 1066. William, in memory of this victory, erected an abbey, which he called Battle Abbey; and if a criminal could but reach this abbey, he was dismissed from thence, and was afterwards in no danger for his past faults. The abbey was a large and noble structure, as may be judged by the gateway which is still entire, as well as from the other remains. This place is noted for making gunpowder equal to that of Danzig; and the belt goes by the name of Battle gunpowder.