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bald; as, baldness of the head; baldness of style. This gives to their syntax a peculiar character of simplicity and baldness. W. D. Whitney.

he tie-beam of a house. The loft above was called "the balks." Tubs hanging in the balks. Chaucer.

opular kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; as, the ballad of Chevy Chase; esp., a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.

To keep steady; to steady, morally. 'T is charity must ballast the heart. Hammond.

An officer who has charge of a ballot box. [Obs.] Harrington.

A mastiff or other large and fierce dog, usually kept chained or tied up. The keeper entered leading his bandog, a large bloodhound, tied in a leam, or band, from which he takes his name. Sir W. Scott.

under the left arm. Originally it was used for supporting the musket and twelve cases for charges, but later only as a cartridge belt.

; destructive; injurious; noxious; pernicious. "Baneful hemlock." Garth. "Baneful wrath." Chapman. -- Bane"ful*ly, adv. --Bane"ful*ness, n.

A Hindoo trader, merchant, cashier, or money changer. [Written also banyan.]

ps an establishment for the deposit or loan of money, or for traffic in money, bills of exchange, etc.

To jest about; to ridicule in speaking of, as some trait, habit, characteristic, and the like. [Archaic] If they banter your regularity, order, and love of study, banter in return their neglect of them. Chatham.

arate building, usually polygonal, used for baptismal services. Small churches were often changed into baptisteries when larger churches were built near.

To make barbarous. The hideous changes which have barbarized France. Burke.

Barbarian. [Obs.] Chaucer.

A large, roomy boat for the conveyance of passengers or goods; as, a ship's barge; a charcoal barge.

The lap or bosom. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Apron. [Obs.] Chaucer.

To lay up in a barn. [Obs.] Shak. Men . . . often barn up the chaff, and burn up the grain. Fuller.

termining the weight or pressure of the atmosphere, and hence for judging of the probable changes of weather, or for ascertaining the height of any ascent.

Pertaining to the barometer; made or indicated by a barometer; as, barometric changes; barometrical observations.