BASE signifies also the level line on which any work stands that is even with the ground, or other work on which it is erected. Hence the base of a parapet is the rampart. BASE, an ancient word for the smallest cannon. See CANNON. BASE-_line_, the line on which troops in column move, the first division that marches into the alignement forms the base line, or _appui_ which each successive division prolongs. BASE-_ring_. See CANNON. BASILISK, an ancient name given to a 48 pounder. See CANNON. BASIS, the same as BASE. BASKET-_Hilt_, the hilt of a sword, so made as to contain, and guard the whole hand. BASKETS, in military affairs, are simple baskets, frequently used in sieges. They are filled with earth, and placed on the parapet of the trench, or any other part. They are generally about a foot and a half in diameter at the top, and eight inches at the bottom, and a foot and a half in height; so that, being placed on the parapet, a kind of embrasure is formed at the bottom, through which the soldiers fire, without being exposed to the shot of the enemy. See GABION. BASKETS.--Ballast, ¹⁄₂ bushel--weight 5 lbs. Diameter, 1 foot 6 inches--length 1 foot. BASTILLE, _Fr._ any place fortified with towers. BASTILLE, a state prison which stood near the Temple in Paris, and was deservedly destroyed by the inhabitants of that capital on the 14th of July, 1789. BASTINADO, a punishment among the Turkish soldiers, which is performed by beating them with a cane or flat of a sword on the soles of their feet. BASTION. See FORTIFICATION. BASSE-_Enceinte_. See FAUSSE-_Braye_. BASSINET, _Fr._ the pan of a musquet. BASSON _or_ BASSOON, a wind instrument blown with a reed, performing the base to all martial music, one or two of which are attached to each regimental band. BAT DE MULET, a pack-saddle used on service when mules are employed to carry stores, &c. BATAGE, _Fr._ the time employed in reducing gun-powder to its proper consistency. The French usually consumed 24 hours in pounding the materials to make good gun-powder; supposing the mortar to contain 16 pounds of composition, it would require the application of the pestle 3500 times each hour. The labour required in this process is less in summer than in winter, because the water is softer. BATAILLE, _Fr._ a battle. _Cheval de_ BATAILLE, _Fr._ a war horse, or charger. This expression is used figuratively as a sheet anchor or last resource. BATAILLER, _Fr._ to struggle hard. BATARDE, French 8 pounders were so called.