Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BAY'O-NET, n. [Fr. baïonette; Sp. bayoneta; It. baionetta; so called, it is said, because the first bayonets were made at Bayonne. – Vieyra's Portugese Dict.]

A short pointed instrument of iron, or broad dagger, formerly with a handle fitted to the bore of a gun, where it was inserted for use, after the soldier had fired; but now made with an iron handle and ring which go over the muzzle of the piece, so that the soldier fires with his bayonet fixed. – Encyc.