BATTALION

A division of the infantry in an army, composed of a variable number of men: at present, in the English service, it is about 750. One battalion generally constitutes a regiment; but some, as those of the Guards, consists of two battalions, and a regiment of artillery of eight. Each battalion is generally divided into ten companies; it is commanded by its own colonel; and several battalions or regiments are, on service, all united under one general officer, forming a brigade. BATTARDEAU, (Fr. battre, and eau.) In Architecture, the same as Cofferdam, which see, [s. 150]