[f. BÂT sb. + MAN.] A man in charge of a bat-horse and its load; a military servant of a cavalry officer.
1809. Wellington, in Gurw., Disp., V. 198. The care of the Camp Kettles is not only the business of the Bâtman of the company, but of all the Bâtmen of the regiment.
1844. Regul. & Ord. Army, 271. A Bât Man is allowed to the Surgeon for the care of the horse carrying the Instruments.
1855. W. Sargent, Braddock’s Exp., 206. The English loss was … a waggoner, three bat-men, and a horse.
¶ See also BAT sb.2
