Barometer. An instrument for measuring the weight of the atmosphere. The form ordinarily used was invented in 1643, by Torricelli. It consists of a glass tube filled with mercury inverted in an open cup.
Baron. In England a title of nobility—the grade between the baronet and viscount—the lowest grade in the House of Lords.
Barons’ War. Arose in consequence of the faithlessness of King Henry III. and the oppression of his favorites in 1258. The barons, headed by Simon de Montfort, earl of Leicester, and Gilbert de Clare, earl of Gloucester, met at Oxford in 1262, and enacted statutes to which the king objected. In 1263 their disputes were in vain referred to the decision of Louis IX., king of France. War broke out, and on May 14, 1264, the king’s party were totally defeated at Lewes, and De Montfort became the virtual ruler of the kingdom. Through treachery the war was renewed, and at the battle of Evesham, August 4, 1265, De Montfort was slain, and the barons were defeated. They, however, did not render their final submission till 1268.
Barrackpore. A native town and military cantonment on the river Hoogly, 16 miles from Calcutta, India. In 1857 it became famous as the cradle of the formidable mutiny or rebellion of that year. Several regiments of native troops were stationed at Barrackpore. The men objected to bite off the ends of the cartridges for the Enfield rifle, believing the paper to be polluted by animal fat. The troubles connected therewith—a mere prelude to the fatal outbreak at Meerut in May—commenced about the beginning of February, and continued to assume various degrees of intensity, till at last two regiments of Bengal native infantry had to be disbanded. An intoxicated Sepoy of one of the disbanded regiments attacked and wounded his officer, Lieut. Baugh, with sword and pistol. This fellow, whose name was Mungal Pandy, would seem to have had the equivocal honor of giving the local designation of Pandies to the entire body of insurgents.
Barrack-allowance. In the British army, is a specific allowance of bread, beef, wood, coals, etc., to regiments stationed in barracks.
Barrack-guard. When a regiment is in barracks the principal guard is called the barrack-guard, the officer being responsible for the regularity of the men in barracks, and for all prisoners duly committed to his charge while on that duty.
Barrack-master. The officer who superintends the barracks of soldiers.
Barracks. Are permanent structures for the accommodation of soldiers, as distinguished from huts and tents, which have usually a square or open place in front, for the purpose of drill and parade.
Barrack-sergeants. In the British army, are faithful old sergeants who are selected from the line and placed in charge of barracks, under the superintendence of the barrack-masters.
Barrel. A round vessel or cask, of more length than breadth, and bulging in the middle, made of staves and headings and bound with hoops. Powder-barrels are made to contain 100 pounds each, the barrels being large enough to allow sufficient space for the powder to move when rolled, to prevent its caking. Also any hollow cylinder or tube, as the barrel of a gun. See Fire-barrel.
Barricade. An obstruction formed in streets, avenues, etc., so as to block up access to an enemy. They are generally formed of overturned wagons, carriages, large stones, breastworks, abatis, or other obstacles at hand.
Barrier. In a general sense means any fortification or strong place on the frontiers of a country. It is likewise a kind of fence composed of stakes and transoms, as over-thwart rafters, erected to defend the entrance of a passage, retrenchment, or the like. In the middle of the barrier is a movable bar of wood, which is opened or shut at pleasure. It also implies a gate made of wooden bars, about 5 feet long, perpendicular to the horizon, and kept together by two long bars going across and another crossing diagonally. Barriers are used to stop the cut made through the esplanade before the gate of a town.
Barrier Treaty. A treaty by which the Low Countries were ceded to the emperor Charles VI., and which was signed by the British, Imperial, and Dutch ministers November 15, 1715.
Barritus, or Bardites. A word which not only signified the battle-cry of the ancient Germans, but all battle-cries were formerly so called.
Barrosa, or Barosa. In Southern Spain, where a battle was fought on March 5, 1811, between the British army, commanded by Maj.-Gen. Sir Thomas Graham, afterwards Lord Lynedoch, and the French under Marshal Victor. After a long conflict, the British achieved one of the most glorious triumphs of the Peninsular war. Although they fought at great disadvantage the British compelled the French to retreat, leaving nearly 3000 dead, 6 pieces of cannon, and an eagle, the first that the British had taken. The loss of the British was 1169 men killed and wounded.
Bar-shot. An obsolete projectile, consisting of two shot connected by a bar of iron.
Bar-sur-Aube. An ancient town of France, on the Aube, in the department of Aube, where the French under Oudinot and MacDonald were defeated by the allies, February 27, 1814.
Bar-sur-Seine. A town in the department of Aube, France; often ruined and sacked during the wars of Burgundy. It was the scene of a severe engagement between Napoleon and the allies, May 25, 1814.
Bartholomew, St. The massacre of St. Bartholomew commenced at Paris on the night of the festival of this saint. According to Sully 70,000 Huguenots, or French Protestants, including women and children, were murdered throughout the kingdom by secret orders from Charles IX., at the instigation of his mother, the queen-dowager, Catherine de Médicis, August 24, 1572.
Bartholomew, St. A West India island held by Sweden. It was colonized by the French in 1648; and has been several times taken and restored by the British. It was ceded to Sweden by France in 1785.
Bartizan. A small stone closet thrown out upon corbels over doorways and on other parts of mediæval castles, generally for defensive purposes, but sometimes for the convenience of the inmates.
Bascinet. A light helmet, generally without a visor; so called from its resemblance to a basin.
Baschi. A Turkish title, signifying a superior commander, officer, chief, etc.; this title is only used in connection with the office title; the most prominent are:
Toptschjy-Baschi, general of artillery and inspector of forts, etc.
Solacki-Baschi, sub-commander of the archers.
Sandschjack-Darlars-Baschi, chief of the 50 color-bearers.
Konadschjy-Baschi, quartermaster-general.
Boluck-Baschi, colonel of a regiment (Boluck) of 1000 militia.
Oda-Baschis, company officers who superintend drill.
Bascule Bridge. A kind of draw-bridge with a counterpoise swinging up and down, and usually a pit behind it, in which the counterpoise falls or rises as the bridge rises or falls. Bascule is the arrangement of the counterpoise in bascule bridges.
Base. In fortifications, is the exterior side of the polygon, or that imaginary line which connects the salient angle of two adjacent bastions.
Base. In heraldry, denotes the lower part of the shield.
Base-line. In gunnery, is a line traced around the gun in rear of the vent; also the measured line used to obtain ranges by triangulation.
Base of Operations. That secure line of frontier or fortresses, or strong country occupied by troops, or of sea occupied by fleets,