platoon

noun

1. 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.group

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. a team of policemen working under the military platoon system

   noun.group

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. a group of persons who are engaged in a common activity

   noun.group

   Examples

   Platoons of tourists poured out of the busses.

   The defensive platoon of the football team.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. Formerly, a body of men who fired together; also, a small square body of soldiers to strengthen the angles of a hollow square.

   noun

   Source: webster1913