platoon

noun

1. a military unit composed of two or more squads or sections, normally under the command of a lieutenant: it is a subdivision of a company, troop, etc.
2. a group or unit like this: a platoon of police
3. Sports any of the specialized squads (as the offensive and defensive squads in professional football) constituting a single team

Origin: Fr peloton, a ball, group, platoon < OFr pelote, a ball: see pellet

transitive verb

1. to divide into platoons, or use as or on a platoon
2. ☆ Sports to alternate (players) at a position: to platoon two rookies in right field

intransitive verb

1. to be alternated with another player at a position
2. to platoon players at a position