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Webster 1913 Edition


Squadron

Squad′ron

(skwŏd′rŭn)
,
Noun.
[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.]
Those half-rounding quards
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.
[L., to square; four.]
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.

Definition 2024


squadron

squadron

English

Noun

squadron (plural squadrons) (abbreviated to: sqn)

  1. (obsolete) Primarily, a square; hence, a square body of troops; a body of troops drawn up in a square.
    "Those half-rounding guards Just met, and, closing, stood in squadron joined." -Milton.
  2. (military, army) A body of cavalry comprising two companies or troops, and averaging from one hundred and twenty to two hundred soldiers.
  3. (military, navy) A detachment of vessels employed on any particular service or station, under the command of the senior officer; as, the North Atlantic Squadron.
  4. (military, air force) A tactical air force unit; consists of at least two flights; multiple squadrons make up a group or wing (depending on particular air force).

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