Bri‐gade″ (�), n. [F. brigade, fr. It. brigata troop, crew, brigade, originally, a contending troop, fr. briga trouble, quarrel. See Brigand.] 1. (Mil.) A body of troops, whether cavalry, artillery, infantry, or mixed, consisting of two or more regiments, under the command of a brigadier general.
☞ Two or more brigades constitute a division, commanded by a major general; two or more divisions constitute an army corps, or corps d'armée.
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.