Bri*gade" (?), n. [F. brigade, fr. It. brigata troop, crew, brigade, originally, a contending troop, fr. briga trouble, quarrel. See Brigand.] 1. Mil. A body of troops, whether cavalry, artillery, infantry, or mixed, consisting of two or more regiments, under the command of a brigadier general.
⇒ Two or more brigades constitute a division, commanded by a major general; two or more divisions constitute an army corps, or corps d'arm'ee. [U.S.]
2. Any body of persons organized for acting or marching together under authority; as, a fire brigade.
Brigade inspector, an officer whose duty is to inspect troops in companies before they are mustered into service. -- Brigade major, an officer who may be attached to a brigade to assist the brigadier in his duties.
© Webster 1913.
Bri*gade", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Brigaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Brigading.] Mil. To form into a brigade, or into brigades.
© Webster 1913. | 
