† ˈsquadronist Obs.
[ad. F. squadroniste or It. squadronista, f. squadrone (volante): see squadron n. 7.]
One of the cardinals belonging to the unattached party in a conclave.
| 1670 G. H. Hist. Cardinals iii. iii. 319 The Squadronists are all unanimously for Rospigliosi. 1670 Lond. Gaz. No. 4038/2 These Cardinals from France, who..have already gained to their party divers of the Squadronists. |