I. ˈskwäd also -wȯd noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French esquade, esquadre, from Old Spanish & Old Italian; Old Spanish escuadra, from escuadrar to square, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin exquadrare; Old Italian squadra, from squadrare to square, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin exquadrare; from the men being arranged in square formation — more at square
: a small group of individuals: as
a. : a group of military personnel organized as a team (as for drill or inspection)
on command the squad moves instantly, smartly, and smoothly — Drill & Ceremonies
especially : a tactical unit that can be easily directed in the field by its leader
using an 11-man rifle squad for maneuverability and fire power
b. : a group engaged in a common effort or occupation
a football squad
a special police squad of 30 men … was on duty — Springfield (Massachusetts) Daily News
c. : an auxiliary fire company equipped with special appliances
II. transitive verb
( squadded ; squadded ; squadding ; squads )
: to arrange in squads
III. abbreviation
squadron