cadre Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a small unit serving as part of or as the nucleus of a larger political movement
    cell.
  2. noun a nucleus of military personnel capable of expansion

WordNet

Ca"dre noun
Etymology
F. cadre, It. quadro square, from L. quadrum, fr. quatuor four.
Definitions
  1. (Mil.) The framework or skeleton upon which a regiment is to be formed; the officers of a regiment forming the staff. Written also cader.

Webster 1913