In Cotgrave's Dict. it is rendered by _pâtisserie_, Fr. _Bate_ (T. Sh. iv. 1, R. and J. iii. 2), in falconry, flapping the wings, apparently from _battre_, Fr. It is not easy to see the difference between it and _beat_, with which it is joined in the first of these passages. _Beat_, however, may be only a misprint for _bate_ repeated. _Bat-fowling_ (Temp. ii. 1), taking birds by night with a light and a net. It is fully described in Joseph Andrews, ii. 10. _Bear in hand_, amuse with false hopes, and so keep in one's power. The phrase seems taken from the _manége_. _Benedicite_, the first word of the Canticle called The Song of the Three Children, in the Liturgy. It was generally used merely as an interjection. _Bias_, a weight inserted in one side of a bowl, which of course would sway it on one side, and prevent its going straight to the _mistress_, or jack, at bowls. _Bill on neck_ (As Y. L. i. 2), "With his sword by his side, a forest _bill on his neck_, and a chopping-knife under his girdle" (Arcadia, i.). _Bird-bolt_ (M. Ado, i. 1), a short thick arrow with an obtuse head used for shooting at birds. _Bite the thumb_ (Rom. and Jul. i. 1) seems to have been making the _figo_ or fig, by putting the thumb between the first and second fingers, and then biting it. It was an expression of contempt or defiance. _Black Monday_ (M. of Ven. ii. 5), said to be Easter Monday, from the severity of that day, April 4, 1360, by which Edw. III. lost numbers of his men in France. _Block_, the mould on which the crown of a hat was formed, hence the hat itself (Lear, iv. 6, M. Ado, i. 1). _Bob_, a sudden tap on the face; hence a stroke of satire (As. Y. L. ii. 7). As a verb, to cheat, do out of (Othel. v. 1). _Bolting-hutch_ (in a mill), the machine by which the flour is bolted or separated from the bran. _Bombast_, wadding, padding, from _bombax_ cotton, the usual material. _Books._ To be in one's books (M. Ado, i. 1), to be in favour with. It seems to be taken from the giving credit of tradesmen. _Boots._ Give the boots (Two Gent. i. 1) seems to be equivalent to the present _give the sack_, _i.e._ turn away.