'Platoon' definitions:

Definition of 'platoon'

(from WordNet)
noun
A military unit that is a subdivision of a company; usually has a headquarters and two or more squads; usually commanded by a lieutenant
noun
A team of policemen working under the military platoon system
noun
A group of persons who are engaged in a common activity; "platoons of tourists poured out of the busses"; "the defensive platoon of the football team"

Definition of 'Platoon'

From: GCIDE
  • Platoon \Pla*toon"\, n. [F. peloton a ball of thread, a knot or group of men, a platoon, from pelote a ball formed of things wound round. See Pellet.] (Mil.) (a) Formerly, a body of men who fired together; also, a small square body of soldiers to strengthen the angles of a hollow square. (b) Now, in the United States service, half of a company. [1913 Webster]