regiment

n. [ F. régiment a regiment of men, OF. also government, L. regimentum government, fr. regere to guide, rule. See Regimen. ] 1. Government; mode of ruling; rule; authority; regimen. [ Obs. ] Spenser. “Regiment of health.” Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

But what are kings, when regiment is gone,
But perfect shadows in a sunshine day? Marlowe. [ 1913 Webster ]

The law of nature doth now require of necessity some kind of regiment. Hocker. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A region or district governed. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Mil.) A body of men, either horse, foot, or artillery, commanded by a colonel, and consisting of a number of companies, usually ten. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In the British army all the artillery are included in one regiment, which (reversing the usual practice) is divided into brigades. [ 1913 Webster ]

Regiment of the line (Mil.), a regiment organized for general service; -- in distinction from those (as the Life Guards) whose duties are usually special. [ Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]