n.1 a small group of people sharing a task etc.
2 Mil. a small number of men assembled for drill etc.
3 Sport a group of players forming a team.
4 a (often in comb.) a specialized unit within a police force (drug squad). b flying squad.
5 a group or class of people of a specified kind (the awkward squad).
Phrases and idioms:
squad car a police car having a radio link with headquarters.
Etymology: F escouade var. of escadre f. It. squadra SQUARE