British term meaning to be married to their weapon.
 Brown Bess. The Army Musket 1700-1815
 In the days of lace-ruffles, perukes, and brocade
 Brown Bess was a partner whom none could despise -
 An out-spoken, flinty-lipped, brazen-faced jade,
 With a habit of looking men straight in the eyes -
 At Blenheim and Ramillies, fops would confess
 They were pierced to the heart by the charms of Brown Bess.
 Rudyard Kipling 1865-1936