BATTALION, a small body of infantry, ranged in form of battle, and ready to engage.
A battalion usually contains from 5 to 800 men; but the number it consists of is not determined. They are armed with firelocks, swords, and bayonets; and divided into thirteen companies, one of which is grenadiers. They are usually drawn up with six men in file, or one before another. Some regiments consist but of one battalion, others are divided into four or five.