The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SQUADRON
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
Q
U
A
D
R
O
N
More clues leading to the result SQUADRON
- Square craft around naval unit
- Group of planes singular chap planted around court
- Queen wearing blue right next to group of soldiers
- He’s one of four siblings, possibly reading into child’s detachment
- Second question changed around for operational unit
- Army unit’s youngster squeezes muscle on run
- Senior side adopting one of four in team
- Small bike runs over large group of people
- Army unit in small courtyard and not retreating
- Young man around court beginning to recognise group
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "large group of people" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case large group of people = squadron.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SQUADRON mean?
SQUADRON noun- Primarily, a square; hence, a square body of troops; a body of troops drawn up in a square.
- A body of cavalry comprising two companies or troops, averaging from one hundred and twenty to two hundred soldiers.
- A body of infantrymen made up of several platoons, averaging from eighty to one hundred and fifty men, and led by a captain or a major.
- A detachment of vessels employed on any particular service or station, under the command of the senior officer
- (air force) A tactical air force unit; consists of at least two flights; multiple squadrons make up a group or wing (depending on particular air force).
- (U.S. Space Force) A spaceforce unit; multiple squadrons make up an operations delta or a support garrison.