Geschwader

Etymology
16th century, from. The latter is from, from. The sense “group of birds” (16th century and thus predating aviation) is derived from the cavalry use.

Noun

 * 1)  squadron formation
 * 2)  a formation, now equivalent to a wing (RAF) or group (USAF), in earlier use (WWI) to a squadron
 * 3)  a group of animals, chiefly birds
 * 1)  a group of animals, chiefly birds