Main Entry: ¹squad

Pronunciation: \ˈskwäd\

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