Reg″i‐ment (–ment), n. [F. régiment a regiment of men, OF. also government, L. regimentum government, fr. regere to guide, rule. See Regimen.] 1. Government; mode of ruling; rule; authority; regimen. Spenser. “Regiment of health.” Bacon.
But what are kings, when regiment is gone,
But perfect shadows in a sunshine day? Marlowe.
The law of nature doth now require of necessity some kind of regiment. Hocker.
2. A region or district governed. Spenser.
3. (Mil.) A body of men, either horse, foot, or artillery, commanded by a colonel, and consisting of a number of companies, usually ten.
☞ In the British army all the artillery are included in one regiment, which (reversing the usual practice) is divided into brigades.
Regiment of the line(Mil.), a regiment organized for general service; — in distinction from those (as the Life Guards) whose duties are usually special.