Definition of: patrol

(pə·trōl′) v.t. & v.i. ·trolled, ·trol·ling
To walk or go through or around (an area, town, etc.) for the purpose of guarding or inspecting.
—noun
1. One or more soldiers, policemen, etc., patrolling a district.
2. A reconnaissance or safety group sent out from a security detachment or by the main body in air, ground, or naval warfare.
3. The act of patrolling.
4. A division of a troop of Boy Scouts. [<MF patrouille a night watch <patrouiller, alter. of patouiller, orig. paddle in mud,? ult. <patte a paw, foot]
—pa·trol′·ler noun