squadron

views updated May 29 2018

squad·ron / ˈskwädrən/ • n. an operational unit in an air force consisting of two or more flights of aircraft and the personnel required to fly them. ∎  a principal division of an armored or cavalry regiment, consisting of two or more troops. ∎  a group of warships detached on a particular duty or under the command of a flag officer. ∎ inf. a large group of people or things: he immediately commissioned a squadron of architects.

Squadron

views updated May 14 2018

Squadron

any body of men in a regular formation; a division of a fleet or air force; a force of 150 to 200 men in the army.

Examples : squadron of air craftBrewer ; of angels; of bees, 1713; of cardinals, 1906; of clouds, 1862; of consideration, 1680; of dissent, 1824; of galleons, 1588; of the Fathers, 1617; of blessed spirits, 1684; of ships; of soldiers, 1656.

squadron

views updated May 14 2018

squadron †body of soldiers in square formation; military and naval unit. XVI. — It. squadrone, f. squadra SQUARE; cf. -OON
.