squadron

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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Those half-rounding quards
Just met, and, closing, stood in squadron joined. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Mil.) A body of cavalry comprising two companies or troops, and averaging from one hundred and twenty to two hundred men. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Flying squadron, a squadron of observation or practice, that cruises rapidly about from place to place. Ham. Nav. Encyc. [ 1913 Webster ]