Main Entry: bat·tal·ion

Pronunciation: \bə-ˈtal-yən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle French bataillon, from Old Italian battaglione, augmentative of battaglia company of soldiers, battle, from Late Latin battalia combat — more at battle

Date: 1579

1 : a considerable body of troops organized to act together : army
2 : a military unit composed of a headquarters and two or more companies, batteries, or similar units
3 : a large group