from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Squadron \Squad"ron\ (skw[o^]d"r[u^]n), n. [F. escadron,
formerly also esquadron, Sp. escuadron, or It. squadrone. See
{Squad}.]
1. Primarily, a square; hence, a square body of troops; a
body of troops drawn up in a square. [R.]
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Those half-rounding quards
Just met, and, closing, stood in squadron joined.
--Milton.
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2. (Mil.) A body of cavalry comprising two companies or
troops, and averaging from one hundred and twenty to two
hundred men.
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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.
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{Flying squadron}, a squadron of observation or practice,
that cruises rapidly about from place to place. --Ham.
Nav. Encyc.
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