platoon

noun

Pronunciation: /pləˈtuːn/

Etymology: From obsolete French plauton, variant of peloton, from Middle French pelote + -on. Doublet of peloton. Compare pellet.

A unit of thirty to forty soldiers typically commanded by a lieutenant and forming part of a company.
“Needless to say, one's seat must be booked in advance and a platoon of urbane officials, one to each door of the train, awaits passengers to usher them to their seats and relieve them of their bulkier baggage.”
A subdivision of a fire company, led by a captain or lieutenant.
A group of self-driving vehicles travelling in a close convoy and communicating electronically with each other.
A group of children in the platoon grouping education system.

Etymology: From obsolete French plauton, variant of peloton, from Middle French pelote + -on. Doublet of peloton. Compare pellet.

To alternate starts with a teammate of opposite handedness, depending on the handedness of the opposing pitcher
“Taylor has been hitting poorly against left-handers, and Morgan has been hitting poorly against right-handers, so they will platoon.”
To specialize in a particular position or playing style.
“You must understand the rules of football in 1939. There was no platooning, so each man played both offense and defense.”
Of self-driving vehicles: to travel in a close convoy, each vehicle communicating electronically with the others.