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flying column

American

noun

Military.

(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.

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

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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From Time Magazine Archive

A little before daybreak Wood with his flying column crossed the river, followed by the main army.

From The Young Colonists A Story of the Zulu and Boer Wars by Henty, G.A.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023