estimating the infantry strength of an army.

BATTARD. An early cannon of small size.

BATTELOE. A lateen-rigged vessel of India.

BATTENING THE HATCHES. Securing the tarpaulins over them. (_See_ BATTENS
OF THE HATCHES.)

BATTENS. In general, scantlings of wood from 1 inch to 3 inches broad.
Long slips of fir used for setting fair the sheer lines of a ship, or
drawing the lines by in the moulding loft, and setting off distances.

BATTENS FOR HAMMOCKS. _See_ HAMMOCK-BATTENS.

BATTENS OF THE HATCHES. Long narrow laths, or straightened hoops of
casks, serving by the help of nailing to confine the edges of the
tarpaulins, and keep them close down to the sides of the hatchways, in
bad weather. Also, thin strips of wood put upon rigging, to keep it from
chafing, by those who dislike mats: when large these are designated
_Scotchmen_.

BATTERING GUNS. Properly guns whose weight and power fit them for
demolishing by direct force the works of the enemy; hence all heavy, as
distinguished from field or light, guns come under the term. (_See_
SIEGE-ARTILLERY and GARRISON GUNS.)

BATTERING RAM. _See_ RAM.

BATTERING TRAIN. The train of heavy ordnance necessary for a siege,
which, since the copious introduction of vertical and other shell fire,
is more correctly rendered by the term siege-train (which see).

BATTERY. A place whereon cannon, mortars, &c., are or may be mounted for
action. It generally has a parapet for the protection of the gunners,
and other defences and conveniences according to its importance and
objects. (_See also_ FLOATING BATTERY.) Also, a company of artillery. In
field-artillery it includes men, guns (usually six in the British
service), horses, carriages, &c., complete for service.

BATTLE. An engagement between two fleets, or even single ships, usually
called a sea-fight or engagement. The conflict between the forces of two
contending armies.

BATTLE LANTERNS (American). _See_ FIGHTING-LANTERNS.

BATTLEMENTS. The vertical notches or openings made in the parapet walls
of old castles and fortified buildings, to serve for embrasures to the
bowmen, arquebusiers, &c., of former days.

BATTLE-ROYAL. A term derived from cock-fighting, but generally applied
to a noisy confused row.

BATTLE THE WATCH, TO. To shift as well as we can; to contend with a
difficulty. To depend on one's own exertions.

BATTLING-STONE. A large stone with a smooth surface by the side of a
stream, on which washers beat the