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