/ ˈgærɪsn; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
[ C +sing./pl. v . ] a group of soldiers living in a town or fort to defend it; the buildings these soldiers live in :
a garrison of 5 000 troops
a garrison town
Half the garrison is / are on duty.
■ verb
[ vn ] to put soldiers in a place in order to defend it from attack :
Two regiments were sent to garrison the town.
100 soldiers were garrisoned in the town.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (in the sense safety, means of protection ): from Old French garison , from garir defend, provide, of Germanic origin.