Dictionary

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.

Any perambulation of a particular line or district to guard it; also, the people thus guarding.

Example: a customs 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

Example: to patrol a beat