Number of troops, coming from small courtyard, run on (8)
I believe the answer is:
squadron
'number of troops coming' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both groups as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?
'small courtyard run on' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'courtyard' becomes 'quad' (I've seen this before).
'run' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
's'+'quad'+'r'+'on'='SQUADRON'
'from' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for squadron that I've seen before include "Regiment division" , "Air, navy, cavalry, group" , "several planes" , "Navy, army or air force unit" , "Military unit" .)