What is bayonette?

A bayonet is a knife-like blade which is attached to the end of a rifle for use as a close-quarters combat weapon. Bayonets date back to the 17th century and were initially used as hunting knives. However, they later became a military weapon as they provided soldiers with a tool that could be used for both stabbing and slashing attacks. Bayonets were used in a number of major conflicts, including the American Civil War, World War I and II. Today, bayonets are still used by some military forces, but they are more commonly used for ceremonial purposes, such as military parades and drills.