BATON, the truncheon carried by a field-marshal as a sign of authority, and by a police constable (Fr. baton, baston, from Late Lat. basto, a stick or staff) ; in heraldry (q.v.), the fourth part of a bend; in English coats of arms, only as a mark of illegitimacy, the "baton sinister." In music, the baton is the name for the light, pointed stick with which a conductor directs the performances of an orchestra or choir. The use of the baton is much older than is generally sup posed, though in the first instance it took the form of a roll of paper, which was used for this purpose in the 15th century in Italy and elsewhere. Later, when it became customary to conduct from the harpsichord or pianoforte, the baton fell into disuse ; but its employment is now universal. There is great art in the proper manipulation of the baton, which Hans Richter (q.v.) once termed the "most diffi cult instrument in the orchestra."