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flying column

American  

noun

Military.
  1. (formerly) a force of troops equipped and organized to move swiftly and independently of a principal unit to which it is attached.


Etymology

Origin of flying column

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When Gen. MacArthur heard of the Japanese military’s plan to kill the prisoners, he organized a flying column to liberate the people.

From Washington Times • Feb. 14, 2015

Bob’s group was a part of this flying column and traveled 100 miles in three days to liberate the prisoners.

From Washington Times • Feb. 14, 2015

He advanced in a flying column of Land-rovers, and it was a walkover.

From Time Magazine Archive

At Ludlow, a hundred cottagers, gathered in the square, peered at the flying column, cheered.

From Time Magazine Archive

“The Government needs me to take command of a flying column to clear the provinces of filibusteros.”

From Friars and Filipinos An Abridged Translation of Dr. Jose Rizal's Tagalog Novel, 'Noli Me Tangere.' by Rizal, José

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