The following diagrams point out some of the basic parts of the bayonet and the proper terminology used to describe plug, socket, sword, and knife bayonets, scabbards, and belt frogs. There are many more terms, however, these are the basics. Definitions of these and other commonly used bayonet terms are found in the Glossary of Bayonet Terms.
Image showing terms used to describe parts of a plug bayonetImage showing terms used to describe parts of a socket bayonetImage showing terms used to describe parts of sword and knife bayonetsImage showing terms used to describe parts of a scabbardImage showing terms used to describe parts of a belt frog

What is a Frog?

The Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines a frog as, “a sheath suspended from a belt and supporting a scabbard.”  Use of the term dates to 1710–1720, perhaps from Portugal.  This seems plausible, since the focal point for development of the plug bayonet was the Pyrenees Region along the borders of Spain, France, and Portugal.

© Ralph E. Cobb 2010 All Rights Reserved

Bayonet Terminology Diagrams
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