Bátman

Bátman (Fr. bât, 'a pack-saddle'), the soldier-groom of a mounted officer. Every officer in the British army, when doing duty with his regiment, is allowed to employ a soldier as body-servant, and if mounted, a second as groom. These men are struck off all ordinary guards and duties, and receive from the officer a small monthly addition to their pay. On the march and on active service they take their places in the ranks.—Bât horses are baggage animals—not chargers.