bayonet Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a knife that can be fixed to the end of a rifle and used as a weapon
  2. verb stab or kill someone with a bayonet

WordNet


Bay"o*net noun
Etymology
F. bayonnette, baïonnette; -- so called, it is said, because the first bayonets were made at Bayonne.
Definitions
  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. Knight.
Bay"o*net transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Bayoneted; present participle & verbal noun Bayoneting
Definitions
  1. To stab with a bayonet.
  2. To compel or drive by the bayonet.
    To bayonet us into submission. Burke.

Webster 1913