A diminutive of squadron. Also, a small party of soldiers assembled for drill or inspection.
·noun Sloppy mud. II. Squad ·noun Hence, any small party. III. Squad ·noun A small party of men as...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
·add. ·- A squad of inapt recruits assembled for special drill. ...
A division formed of those men who are backward in gaining dexterity. (See squad.) ...
The Sailor's Word-Book