σπεῖρα

σπείρα, -ης

(on this form of genitive, see M, Pr., 38, 48; Bl., § 7, 1; Mayser, 12; Deiss., BS, 186), [in LXX: Jdth.14:11, 2Ma.8:23 2Mac 12:20 2Mac 12:22 * ;]

1. (= Lat. spira) anything wound or rolled up, a coil.

2. As a military term used (by Polyb. and later writers) of a body of soldiers, a maniple (third part of a cohort) or cohort (see Swete, Mk., 375; Westc., Jo., 251 f.): Mat.27:27, Mrk.15:16, Jhn.18:3, 12, Act.10:1 21:31 27:1.†

(AS)