Bay"o*net (?), n. [F. bayonnette, baionnette; -- so called, it is said, because the first bayonets were made at Bayonne.]
1. Mil.
A pointed instrument of the dagger kind fitted on the muzzle of a musket or rifle, so as to give the soldier increased means of offense and defense.
⇒ Originally, the bayonet was made with a handle, which required to be fitted into the bore of the musket after the soldier had fired.
2. Mach.
A pin which plays in and out of holes made to receive it, and which thus serves to engage or disengage parts of the machinery.
Bayonet clutch. See Clutch. -- Bayonet joint, a form of coupling similar to that by which a bayonet is fixed on the barrel of a musket.
Knight.
© Webster 1913.
Bay"o*net, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bayoneted; p. pr. & vb. n. Bayoneting.]
1.
To stab with a bayonet.
2.
To compel or drive by the bayonet.
To bayonet us into submission.
Burke.
© Webster 1913.