bayonet

Meanings

Noun

• 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.
• 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.

Verb

• To stab with a bayonet.
• To compel or drive by the bayonet.

Origin

• From French baïonnette, named after the French town of Bayonne, where the plug bayonet was invented.