battalion Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies
  2. noun a large indefinite number
    plurality; pack; multitude; large number.
    • a battalion of ants
    • a multitude of TV antennas
    • a plurality of religions

WordNet

Bat*tal"ion noun
Etymology
F. bataillon, fr. It. battaglione. See Battalia.
Definitions
  1. A body of troops; esp. a body of troops or an army in battle array. "The whole battalion views." Milton.
  2. (Mil.) A regiment, or two or more companies of a regiment, esp. when assembled for drill or battle.
Bat*tal"ion transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To form into battalions. R.

Webster 1913