CLIQUE

clique, coterie, ingroup, inner circle, pack, camp

(noun) an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

clique (plural cliques)

A small, exclusive group of individuals, usually according to lifestyle or social status; a cabal.

(graph theory) A subgraph isomorphic to a complete graph.

(Internet) A group of related web sites that link to each other, like a webring but with exclusive membership determined by the clique owner.

Synonyms

• (small, exclusive group): coterie, ingroup, inner circle, camp

Verb

clique (third-person singular simple present cliques, present participle cliquing, simple past and past participle cliqued)

(intransitive) To associate together in a clannish way; to act with others secretly to gain a desired end; to plot.

Usage notes

• Often used in the form clique together.

Source: Wiktionary

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Clique, n. Etym: [F., fr. OF. cliquer to click. See Click, v. i.]

Definition: A narrow circle of persons associated by common interests or for the accomplishment of a common purpose; -- generally used in a bad sense.

Clique, v. i.

Definition: To To associate together in a clannish way; to act with others secretly to gain a desired end; to plot; -- used with together.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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