Brigade ( bri gad )

[Fr.; from Celt. brig a, a company of men; It. brigata, a company, a troop, a crew.] ( Mat. ) This term applies either the union of two or more resтments or battalions of infantry or cavalry, or both together, either with or without artilery, under one com mand. In the U. S. army, 3 or more regiments of in fantry or cavalry constitute a B., which is commanded by a brigadier-general, or a colonel acting as such. Brigade Inspector. An officer whose duty it is to inspect troops in companies, before they are mustered into service. - Brigade Major. An officer who is attached to a brigade to perform duties similar to those of the adjutant of a regiment, and acts as an aide-de-camp to the brigadier-general. He must be a captain or subaltern officer, and is generally selected from among the captains of the regiments forming the brigade.