1. Plural of gendarmerie; military or paramilitary police forces, especially in French-speaking countries.
Usage: Often used in historical or international contexts; Refers to organized armed police units
2. The headquarters or barracks of a gendarmerie unit.
Usage: Less common usage; refers to physical locations

Examples

• The French gendarmeries maintain order in rural areas across the country.
• Several gendarmeries were established throughout the colonial territories.
• The local gendarmeries coordinated with national police during the emergency.
• Officers from different gendarmeries attended the training conference.
• The gendarmeries in Belgium and France operate under similar military structures.