n. 1. a. A military unit consisting of a variable number of combat battalions or regiments. b. A US Army administrative and tactical unit composed of a headquarters unit, at least one unit of infantry or armor or both, and designated support units. A brigade can be commanded by a brigadier general or by a colonel. 2. A group of persons organized for a specific purpose: formed a bucket brigade to carry water to the fire. tr.v. bri·gad·ed, bri·gad·ing, bri·gades To form into a brigade. [French, from Old French, company, from Old Italian brigata, from brigare, to fight, from briga, strife, of Celtic origin; see gwerə-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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