Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GAR'RI-SON, n. [Fr. garnison; Arm. goarnison; Sp. guarnicon, a garrison, a flounce, furbelow or trimming, the setting of any thing in gold or silver, the guard of a sword, garniture, ornament; It. guernigione; Port. guarniçam; D. waarison. The French, English, Armoric, Spanish and Italian words are from garnish; the Dutch is from waaren, to keep, to guard, Eng. warren, and from this root we have warrant and guaranty, as well as guard and regard, all from one source. See Warren.]

1. A body of troops stationed in a fort or fortified town, to defend it against an enemy, or to keep the inhabitants in subjection.
2. A fort, castle or fortified town, furnished with troops to defend it. Waller.
3. The state of being placed in a fortification for its defense; as, troops laid in garrison. Spencer.