Crossword Genius

Force abandons out-of-shape group of soldiers (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

unit

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

I believe this is a quadruple definition!!

'force abandons' is the first definition.
'unit' can be an answer for 'force' (thesaurus). I'm not sure about the 'abandons' bit.

'out of' is a link.

'shape' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'group' is the third definition.
(eg a unit of soldiers)

'of' is a link.

'soldiers' is the fourth definition.
(unit can mean a group of soldiers )

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for unit that I've seen before include "Separate part" , "Specialised group" , "Small military detachment" , "Individual thing or group regarded as complete" , "Standard for measuring" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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