Definition of battalion

The word "battalion" originates from the Italian word "battaglione," which means "battle line" or "battle array." It was first used in the 16th century to describe a tactical formation of military troops, typically consisting of a group of companies or squadrons. The term was borrowed into English and other languages during the Renaissance period. In the 17th century, the term "battalion" became more widely used to describe a larger military unit, often consisting of several hundred to thousands of soldiers. The modern definition of a battalion refers to a military unit usually consisting of infantry, armor, artillery, or air defense forces, typically ranging in size from 300 to 1,200 soldiers. The word "battalion" has been used in various contexts, including history, literature, and modern-day military terminology, and continues to be an important term in the language of warfare and military strategy.