n.
Pronunciation: ' skwäd
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French esquade, from Old Spanish & Old Italian; Old Spanish escuadra & Old Italian squadra, ultimately from Vulgar Latin *exquadrare to make square ― more at SQUARE
Date: 1649
1 : a small organized group of military personnel especially : a tactical unit that can be easily directed in the field
2 : a small group engaged in a common effort or occupation