Clique
[kliːk] or [klik]
Definition
(noun.) an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose.
Checked by Darren--From WordNet
Definition
(v. i.) A narrow circle of persons associated by common interests or for the accomplishment of a common purpose; -- generally used in a bad sense.
(v. i.) To To associate together in a clannish way; to act with others secretly to gain a desired end; to plot; -- used with together.
Typed by Debora
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [Fr.] [Generally used in a bad sense.] Coterie, club, brotherhood, sodality, clan, junto, CABAL, CAMARILLA, party, gang, set, private or exclusive association.
Editor: Nicolas
Definition
n. a group of persons in union for a purpose: a party or faction: a gang—used generally in a bad sense.—adj. Cliqu′ish relating to a clique.—ns. Cliqu′ishness; Cliqu′ism tendency to form cliques.
Typist: Sophie
Examples
- Fascinated as by a basilisk with three heads, I could not leave this clique; the ground near them seemed to hold my feet. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- The isolation and exclusiveness of a gang or clique brings its antisocial spirit into relief. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- Don't the very greatest ladies of all talk about that small clique of persons to whom they belong? William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- Gangs are marked by fraternal feeling, and narrow cliques by intense loyalty to their own codes. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- They could enjoy life with their cliques as well--passengers invariably divide up into cliques, on all ships. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
- Only when they were badly frightened would governing cliques or parties desist from some nefarious policy and heed the common good. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
Checked by Alyson