bayonet

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Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ˈbeɪə(ʊ)nɨt/, /ˈbeɪə(ʊ)nɛt/, /ˈbeɪə(ʊ)ˈnɛt/
• (GA) enPR bā'ə-nĕtʹ, IPA: /ˌbeɪəˈnɛt/, /ˈbeɪənɪ̈t/, /ˈbeɪəˌnɛt/

Noun

bayonet (plural bayonets)

1. (military) 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 offence and defence. Originally, the bayonet was made with a handle, which needed to be fitted into the bore of the musket after the soldier had fired.
   • 1786, Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page xvi:

     Fig. 3. Its bayonet, to be fixed by sticking the handle into the muzzle of the musquet.

2. (engineering) 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.

Translations

• French: baïonnette
• German: Bajonett
• Italian: baionetta
• Portuguese: baioneta
• Russian: штык
• Spanish: bayoneta

Verb

bayonet (bayonets, present participle bayoneting; past bayoneted, past participle bayoneted)

1. (transitive) To stab with a bayonet.
2. (transitive) To compel or drive by the bayonet.

   • to bayonet us into submission

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