/hed"kwawr'teuhrz, -kwaw'-/ , n. , pl. headquarters . ( used with a sing. or pl. v. )
1. a center of operations, as of the police or a business, from which orders are issued; the chief administrative office of an organization: The operatives were always in touch with headquarters.
2. the offices or working location of a military commander; the place from which a commander customarily issues orders.
3. a military unit consisting of the commander, his staff, and other assistants.
[ 1640-50; HEAD + QUARTERS ]