'Flying squadron' definitions:

Definition of 'Flying squadron'

From: GCIDE
  • Squadron \Squad"ron\ (skw[o^]d"r[u^]n), 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]