noun

1. a group of warships, usually of the same type, assigned to some special duty; specif., a naval unit consisting of two or more divisions
2. a unit of armored cavalry composed of from two to four troops, a headquarters, and auxiliary units
3. 1. a military flight formation
   2. the basic tactical and administrative air-force unit, smaller than an air group and larger than a flight
4. a large or organized group

Etymology: It squadrone < squadra, a square, fem. of quadrus, square