Bayonet \Bay"o*net\, n. [F. bayonnette, ba["i]onnette; -- so
   called, it is said, because the first bayonets were made at
   Bayonne.]
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   1. (Mil.) A pointed instrument of the dagger kind fitted on
      the muzzle of a musket or rifle, so as to give the soldier
      increased means of offense and defense.
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   Note: Originally, the bayonet was made with a handle, which
         required to be fitted into the bore of the musket after
         the soldier had fired.
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   2. (Mach.) A pin which plays in and out of holes made to
      receive it, and which thus serves to engage or disengage
      parts of the machinery.
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   Bayonet clutch. See Clutch.

   Bayonet joint, a form of coupling similar to that by which
      a bayonet is fixed on the barrel of a musket. --Knight.

   bayonet mount, (photography) a coupling mechanism for
      attaching removable lenses to the body of a camera, using
      a bayonet socket.

   bayonet socket, a coupling mechanism for attaching matching
      cylindrical parts to each other, where each of which has
      an arced L-shaped slot with the longer side perpendicular
      to the axis of the cylinder, such that the slots slide
      inside each other. There is also usually a knoblike
      projection on the mount so that when the two parts to be
      connected are fully inserted in proper alignment, they are
      locked in place. It is designed for rapid coupling and
      decoupling, requiring the turning of one part through only
      a small arc, in place of a screw-type arrangement, which
      requires several full turns.
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Clutch \Clutch\ (kl[u^]ch; 224), n. [OE. cloche, cloke, claw,
   Scot. clook, cleuck, also OE. cleche claw, clechen, cleken,
   to seize; cf. AS. gel[ae]ccan (where ge- is a prefix) to
   seize. Cf. Latch a catch.]
   1. A gripe or clinching with, or as with, the fingers or
      claws; seizure; grasp. "The clutch of poverty." --Cowper.
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            An expiring clutch at popularity.     --Carlyle.
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            But Age, with his stealing steps,
            Hath clawed me in his clutch.         --Shak.
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   2. pl. The hands, claws, or talons, in the act of grasping
      firmly; -- often figuratively, for power, rapacity, or
      cruelty; as, to fall into the clutches of an adversary.
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            I must have . . . little care of myself, if I ever
            more come near the clutches of such a giant. --Bp.
                                                  Stillingfleet.
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   3. (Mach.) A device which is used for coupling shafting,
      etc., so as to transmit motion, and which may be
      disengaged at pleasure.
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   4. Any device for gripping an object, as at the end of a
      chain or tackle.
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   5. (Zool.) The nest complement of eggs of a bird.
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   Bayonet clutch (Mach.), a clutch in which connection is
      made by means of bayonets attached to arms sliding on a
      feathered shaft. The bayonets slide through holes in a
      crosshead fastened on the shaft.
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