E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bay’onet.
So called from La Bayonette, a lower ridge of the Montage d’Arrhune. A Basque regiment, early in the seventeenth century, running short of powder, stuck their knives into their muskets; and charged the Spaniards with success. Some derive this word from Bayonne.
e d’Arrhune. A Basque regiment, early in the seventeenth century, running short of powder, stuck their knives into their muskets; and charged the Spaniards with success. Some derive this word from Bayonne.
