escadrille

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a small squadron
noun an air force squadron typically containing six airplanes (as in France during World War I)

Borrowed from French escadrille, from Middle French, from Spanish escuadrilla, from Latin exquadrare (“to square off”).

Some escadrilles of my command were engaged that day near Dinant. — That Which Hath Wings: A Novel of the Day, Richard Dehan
I graduated under Curtiss, and after a long siege with my father obtained his permission to try for the Lafayette Escadrille. — The Land That Time Forgot, Edgar Rice Burroughs
Mr. Adams, the author of this flying series for boys is an experienced aviator and has had many thrilling adventures in the air--both as a member of the famous Lafayette Escadrille in the World War and in the United States Naval Aviation Service flying with the squadrons patrolling the Atlantic Coast. — The Rover Boys on the Farm; or, Last Days at Putnam Hall, Edward Stratemeyer

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