Brigade

n. [Fr. brigade, Sp. & Pg. brigada, It. brigata, troop, crew, brigade, properly and originally a contending troop, from O. Fr. brigue, It. briga, trouble, quarrel. See BRIGUE.] (Mil.) A division of troops, whether cavalry or infantry, regular or militia, commanded by a general officer, or brigadier. It consists of an indeterminate number of regiments, squadrons, or battalions. A brigade of horse may be a body of eight or ten squadrons; of infantry, four, five, or six battalions or regiments. A brigade of artillery may consist of six or more pieces. A brigade of sappers consists of eight men.

Brigade inspector, an officer who may be attached to a brigade, his duties being chiefly those of inspection.—Brigade major, an officer who may be attached to a brigade to assist the brigadier in his duties.