platoon Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a military unit that is a subdivision of a company; usually has a headquarters and two or more squads; usually commanded by a lieutenant
  2. noun a team of policemen working under the military platoon system
  3. noun a group of persons who are engaged in a common activity
    • platoons of tourists poured out of the busses
    • the defensive platoon of the football team

WordNet

Pla*toon" noun
Etymology
F. peloton a ball of thread, a knot or group of men, a platoon, from pelote a ball formed of things wound round. See Pellet.
Definitions
  1. (Mil.) (a) Formerly, a body of men who fired together; also, a small square body of soldiers to strengthen the angles of a hollow square. (b) Now, in the United States service, half of a company.

Webster 1913