2. Any body of persons organized for acting or marching together under authority; as, a fire brigade. Brigade inspector, an officer whose duty is to inspect troops in companies before they are mustered into service. — Brigade major, an officer who may be attached to a brigade to assist the brigadier in his duties.
BRIGADE
Bri*gade", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Brigaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Brigading.]
(Mil.)
Defn: To form into a brigade, or into brigades.
BRIGADIER GENERAL
Brig`a*dier" gen"er*al. Etym: [F. brigadier, fr. brigade.] (Mil.)
Defn: An officer in rank next above a colonel, and below a major general. He commands a brigade, and is sometimes called, by a shortening of his title, simple a brigadier.
BRIGAND Brig"and, n. Etym: [F. brigand, OF. brigant light-armed soldier, fr. LL. brigans light-armed soldier (cf. It. brigante.) fr. brigare to strive, contend, fr. briga quarrel; prob. of German origin, and akin to E. break; cf. Goth. brikan to break, brakja strife. Cf. Brigue.]
1. A light-armed, irregular foot soldier. [Obs.]
2. A lawless fellow who lives by plunder; one of a band of robbers; especially, one of a gang living in mountain retreats; a highwayman; a freebooter. Giving them not a little the air of brigands or banditti. Jeffery.
BRIGANDAGE
Brig"and*age, n. Etym: [F. brigandage.]
Defn: Life and practice of brigands; highway robbery; plunder.