Battalion (noun)

1. A military unit consisting typically of a headquarters and two or more companies, squadrons, or batteries.
2. A large organized group of people with a similar purpose or function.

Origin:

Early 17th century (denoting a body of soldiers): from french bataillon, from battre "to beat".

Examples:

1. The battalion was ordered to move out at dawn.
2. He was promoted to the rank of captain in the battalion.
3. The battalion was composed of about 800 soldiers.
4. A battalion of workers marched through the streets in protest.
5. The fire department sent a whole battalion of firefighters to the scene.