bayonet
bayonet Lexical Profile
bayonet Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A blade that may be fixed to the muzzle of a rifle and used to stab an opponent in hand-to-hand combat.
"During the Revolutionary War, soldiers frequently relied on the bayonet when their ammunition ran out."
A type of pin-and-slot fitting used for connecting mechanical parts or electrical components, such as light bulbs or camera lenses.
"The vintage camera uses a standard bayonet mount, allowing photographers to quickly swap out lenses."
• verb
To stab or pierce someone with a blade attached to the muzzle of a rifle.
"The infantry advanced across the field with orders to bayonet any remaining enemies in the trenches."
Word Origin & Etymology
From French 'baïonnette', named after Bayonne, a city in southwestern France where the weapons were supposedly first manufactured in the early 17th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.