Commonly used in the British commonwealth countries, the term "batchmate" refers to a person who was in the same "batch" as you were in school, college, a military or administrative academy; or another intensive program where people get to know their cohorts quite well. The rough American equivalent is "classmate"; however, batchmate implies a closer sense of togetherness and bonding.
by Nik Dholakia August 21, 2006