patrolling

pa·trol  (p-trl)

n.

1. The act of moving about an area especially by an authorized and trained person or group, for purposes of observation, inspection, or security.

2. A person or group of persons who perform such an act.

3.

a. A military unit sent out on a reconnaissance or combat mission.

b. One or more military vehicles, boats, ships, or aircraft assigned to guard or reconnoiter a given area.

4. A division of a Boy Scout troop or Girl Scout troop consisting of between six and eight children.

v. pa·trolled, pa·trol·ling, pa·trols

v.tr.

To engage in a patrol of.

v.intr.

To engage in a patrol.

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[French patrouille, from patrouiller, to patrol, alteration of Old French patouiller, to paddle about in mud, patrol, probably from pate, paw; see patois.]

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pa·troller n.