/ bəˈtæliən; NAmE / noun
1.
( BrE ) a large group of soldiers that form part of a brigade
2.
( formal ) a large group of people, especially an organized group with a particular purpose :
a battalion of supporters
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WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent.: from French bataillon , from Italian battaglione , from battaglia battle, from Latin battualia military or gladiatorial exercises, from Latin battuere to beat.