CLIQUE
clique, coterie, ingroup, inner circle, pack, camp
(noun) an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
Source: WordNet® 3.1
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
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