Band n.
 1. A fillet, strap, or any narrow ligament with which a thing is encircled, or fastened, or by which a number of things are tied, bound together, or confined; a fetter.
    Every one's bands were loosed.   --Acts xvi. 26.
 2. Arch. (a) A continuous tablet, stripe, or series of ornaments, as of carved foliage, of color, or of brickwork, etc. (b) In Gothic architecture, the molding, or suite of moldings, which encircles the pillars and small shafts.
 3. That which serves as the means of union or connection between persons; a tie. “To join in Hymen's bands.”
 4. A linen collar or ruff worn in the 16th and 17th centuries.
 5. pl. Two strips of linen hanging from the neck in front as part of a clerical, legal, or academic dress.
 6. A narrow strip of cloth or other material on any article of dress, to bind, strengthen, ornament, or complete it. “Band and gusset and seam.”
 7. A company of persons united in any common design, especially a body of armed men.
    Troops of horsemen with his bands of foot.   --Shak.
 8. A number of musicians who play together upon portable musical instruments, especially those making a loud sound, as certain wind instruments (trumpets, clarinets, etc.), and drums, or cymbals; as, a high school's marching band.
 9. Bot. A space between elevated lines or ribs, as of the fruits of umbelliferous plants.
 10. Zool. A stripe, streak, or other mark transverse to the axis of the body.
 11. Mech. A belt or strap.
 12. A bond. [Obs.] “Thy oath and band.”
 13. Pledge; security. [Obs.]
 Band saw, a saw in the form of an endless steel belt, with teeth on one edge, running over wheels.
 big band, a band that is the size of an orchestra, usually playing mostly jazz or swing music.  The big band typically features both ensemble and solo playing, sometimes has a lead singer, and is often located in a night club where the patrons may dance to its music.  The big bands were popular from the late 1920's to the 1940's.  Contrasted with combo, which has fewer players.


 big band
      n : a large dance or jazz band usually featuring improvised
          solos by lead musicians