\Bat*tal"ion\, n. [F. bataillon, fr. It. battaglione.
See {Battalia}.]
1. A body of troops; esp. a body of troops or an army in
   battle array. ``The whole battalion views.'' --Milton.
2. (Mil.) A regiment, or two or more companies of a regiment,
   esp. when assembled for drill or battle.

\Bat*tal"ion\, v. t.
To form into battalions. [R.]

\Bat*tal"ion\, n. (Mil.)
An infantry command of two or more companies, which is the
tactical unit of the infantry, or the smallest command which
is self-supporting upon the battlefield, and also the unit in
which the strength of the infantry of an army is expressed.
Note: In the United States army, since April 29, 1898, a
      battalion consists of four companies, and three
      battalions form a regiment. The term is also applied to
      two or more batteries of artillery combined into a
      single command.