Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Squadron
Squad′ron
(skwŏd′rŭn)
, Noun.
1.
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
Just met, and, closing, stood in
squadron
joined. Milton.
2.
(Mil.)
A body of cavalry comprising two companies or troops, and averaging from one hundred and twenty to two hundred men.
3.
(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.
Flying squadron
, a squadron of observation or practice, that cruises rapidly about from place to place.
Ham. Nav. Encyc.
Webster 1828 Edition
Squadron
SQUADRON
,Noun.
1.
In its primary sense, a square or square form; and hence, a square body of troops; a body drawn up in a square. So Milton has used the word.Those half rounding guards just met, and closing stood in squadron joind.
[This sense is probably obsolete, unless in poetry.]
2.
A body of troops, infantry or cavalry, indefinite in number.3.
A division of a fleet; a detachment of ships of war, employed on a particular expedition; or one third part of a naval armament.