bəˈtalyən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French bataillon, from Old Italian battaglione, aug. of battaglia company of soldiers, battle, from Late Latin battalia combat — more at battle
1. : a considerable body of troops organized to act together : army
2. : a tactical military unit composed basically of a headquarters and two or more companies, batteries, or similar units
3. : a large group of persons or things usually marked by similarity of characteristics, condition, or purpose
a battalion of instructors teaching elementary composition to freshmen — Douglas Bush
— often used in plural
summoned new battalions to the service of the liberal ideal — M.W.Straight
4. : a fire department unit made up of several fire companies
5. : the headquarters of a military battalion
someone … up from battalion — W.C.Fridley