1. [n]  a fortified military post where troops are stationed
2. [n]  the troops who maintain and guard a fortified place
3. [n]  United States abolitionist who published an anti-slavery journal (1805-1879)
4. [v]  station in a fort or garrison, as of troops

1. \Gar"ri*son\, n. [OE. garnisoun, F. garnison garrison,
   in OF. & OE. also, provision, munitions, from garnir to
   garnish. See {Garnish}.] (Mil.)
   (a) A body of troops stationed in a fort or fortified town.
   (b) A fortified place, in which troops are quartered for its
       security.
   {In garrison}, in the condition of a garrison; doing duty in
      a fort or as one of a garrison.
   

2. \Gar"ri*son\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Garrisoned}; p. pr.
   & vb. n. {Garrisoning}.] (Mil.)
   (a) To place troops in, as a fortification, for its defense;
       to furnish with soldiers; as, to garrison a fort or town.
   (b) To secure or defend by fortresses manned with troops; as,
       to garrison a conquered territory.
   

(1.) Heb. matstsab, a station; a place where one stands (1 Sam. 14:12); a military or fortified post (1 Sam. 13:23; 14:1, 4, 6, etc.).

(2.) Heb. netsib, a prefect, superintendent; hence a military post (1 Sam. 10:5; 13:3, 4; 2 Sam. 8:6). This word has also been explained to denote a pillar set up to mark the Philistine conquest, or an officer appointed to collect taxes; but the idea of a military post seems to be the correct one.

(3.) Heb. matstsebah, properly a monumental column; improperly rendered pl. "garrisons" in Ezek. 26:11; correctly in Revised Version "pillars," marg. "obelisks," probably an idolatrous image.