[bri.gade] n [F, fr. It brigata, fr. brigare] (1637) 1 a: a large body of troops b: a tactical and administrative unit composed of a headquarters, one or more units of infantry or armor, and supporting units
2: a group of people organized for special activity
[2]brigade vt bri.gad.ed ; bri.gad.ing (1781): to form or unite into a brigade