<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) to pass along a road, beat, etc., or around or through a specified area in order to maintain order and security</li><li>(used with object) to maintain the order and security of (a road, beat, area, etc.) by passing along or through it</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a person or group of persons assigned to patrol an area, road, etc.</li><li>an automobile, ship, plane, squadron, fleet, etc., assigned to patrol an area</li><li>Military: a detachment of two or more persons, often a squad or platoon, detailed for reconnaissance or combat</li><li>the act of patrolling</li><li>patrol wagon</li><li>(in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts) a subdivision of a troop, usually consisting of about eight members</li></ul>