Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PLAT-OON', n. [Fr. peloton, a ball of thread, a knot of men, from pelote, a ball; Sp. peloton. See Ball.]

A small square body of soldiers or musketeers, drawn out of a battalion of foot when they form a hollow square, to strengthen the angles; or a small body acting together, but separate from the main body; as, to fire by platoons.