patrol

Meanings

Plural: patrols

Noun

• a detachment used for security or reconnaissance
• the activity of going around or through an area at regular intervals for security purposes
• a group that goes through a region at regular intervals for the purpose of security
• A going of the rounds along the chain of sentinels and between the posts, by a guard, usually consisting of three or four men, to insure greater security from attacks on the outposts.
• A movement, by a small body of troops beyond the line of outposts, to explore the country and gain intelligence of the enemy's whereabouts.
• The guards who go the rounds for observation; a detachment whose duty it is to patrol.
• The largest division of officers within a police department or sheriff's office, whose assignment is to patrol and respond to calls for service.
• Any perambulation of a particular line or district to guard it; also, the people thus guarding.
• A unit of a troop, usually defined by certain ranks or age groups within the troop, and ideally comprised of six to eight members.

Verb

• maintain the security of by carrying out a patrol
• To go the rounds along a chain of sentinels; to traverse a police district or beat.
• To go the rounds of, as a sentry, guard, or policeman

Synonyms

police