A body of armed men posted in a particular place for ambush or otherwise, or detached for reconnoitring or other special service. Also (? chiefly Sc…

As at one time the ‘chivalry’ constituted the main strength of a medieval army (the archers, slingers, etc. being mere subordinate adjuncts), the…

The ranks or main body of an army. Obsolete. rare.

The middle body of an army or a fleet; the middle part of a group of people.

(More fully called ‘great’ or ‘main battle’): The main body of an army or naval force, as distinguished from the van and rear, or from the wings; = ba…

(a) a pitched battle, as opposed to a skirmish; (b) (see sense 8a).

The main body of an army.

Military. The main body of troops in an army, occupying the space between the two wings, or between the front and rear; (also) the middle division…

the main or chief body of an army with the commander-in-chief; a great body of troops; hence figurative a great number, a host.

Chief in size or extent; constituting the bulk or principal part; designating the chief part of the thing specified. Esp. in main body n. also main…

esp. Of an army or fleet: The main body. Obsolete exc. archaic. Cf. A. 6b.

Military. Order of battle, battle array; disposition or arrangement of troops (or naval forces) for action. (Usually with preposition in, into.)

gen. The main body of an army. (= battle, n. 9.)

Military. Usually as two words. The main or middle part of a body of troops; (also) the middle division of a fleet; = centre, n.1 11a. Now historical.