platoon etymology

Etymology:

The word "platoon" comes from the French word "peloton," which in turn is derived from the Late Latin word "pilus," meaning "javelin."

Meaning:

A platoon is a military unit consisting of two or more squads, typically commanded by a lieutenant or captain. It is the smallest tactical unit in the infantry.

Origin:

The concept of the platoon originated in the early 16th century, when infantry units began to use javelins as their primary weapon. A group of soldiers armed with javelins was known as a "peloton."

As infantry tactics evolved, platoons became smaller and more specialized. By the end of the 19th century, platoons typically consisted of 30-50 soldiers.

Today, platoons remain essential units in modern armies, providing the basic level of organization and command for infantry operations. They typically consist of two or three squads, each of which is led by a sergeant.

platoon relate terms

  • pellet

    Etymology Latin pila meaning ball or pellet Middle English pellet a small ball o

  • pile

    Etymology The word pile comes from Middle English pile which is derived from the Ol

  • peloton

    Etymology The word peloton comes from the French word pelote meaning ball Meani

  • platoon

    Etymology The word platoon comes from the French word peloton which in turn is deri

  • company

    Etymology and Meaning of Company The word company is derived from the Late Latin word

  • section

    Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It involves examining the h

  • squad

    Etymology Origin Italian squadrone a squadron of cavalry Word origin ultimately der

  • salary

    Etymology The word salary comes from the Latin word salarium which originally refer

  • vessel

    Etymology Middle English vessel from Anglo French vaissel vessel from Latin vas ge

  • diet

    Etymology The word diet comes from the Greek word diaita which means way of life o

  • master

    Etymology The word master comes from the Old French word maistre which in turn comes

  • salty

    Etymology The word salty comes from the Old English word sealt which means salt T

  • clean

    Etymology The word clean comes from the Middle English word clene which is derived f