n. & v.
--n.
1. the act of walking or travelling around an area, esp. at regular intervals, in order to protect or supervise it.
2 one or more persons or vehicles assigned or sent out on patrol, esp. a detachment of guards, police, etc.
3 a a detachment of troops sent out to reconnoitre. b such reconnaissance.
4 a routine operational voyage of a ship or aircraft.
5 a routine monitoring of astronomical or other phenomena.
6 Brit. an official controlling traffic where children cross the road.
7 a unit of six to eight Scouts or Guides.
--v. (patrolled, patrolling)
1. tr. carry out a patrol of.
2 intr. act as a patrol.
Phrases and idioms:
patrol car a police car used in patrolling roads and streets. patrol wagon esp. US a police van for transporting prisoners.
Derivatives:
patroller n.
Etymology: F patrouiller paddle in mud f. patte paw: (n.) f. G Patrolle f. F patrouille