squadron Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a cavalry unit consisting of two or more troops and headquarters and supporting arms
noun an air force unit larger than a flight and smaller than a group
noun a naval unit that is detached from the fleet for a particular task

F. escadron, formerly also esquadron, or It. squadrone. See Squad.

Primarily, a square; hence, a square body of troops; a body of troops drawn up in a square. R.
Those half-rounding quards Just met, and, closing, stood in squadron joined. Milton.
(Mil.) A body of cavarly comparising two companies or troops, and averging from one hundred and twenty to two hundred men.
(Naut.) A detachment of vessels employed on any particular service or station, under the command of the senior officer; as, the North Atlantic Squadron. Totten.