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Webster 1913 Edition

Platoon

Pla-toon′

,
Noun.
[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
.]
(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 1828 Edition

Platoon

PLATOON'

,
Noun.
A small square body of soldiers or musketeers, drawn out of a battalion of foot when they form a hollow square, to strengthen the angles; or a small body acting together, but separate from the main body; as, to fire by platoons.

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