claque

[ klak ]

noun

1. a group of persons hired to applaud an act or performer.
2. a group of sycophants:

   The agency head was applauded, as always, by a claque of appointees.

claque

/ klæk /

noun

1. a group of people hired to applaud
2. a group of fawning admirers

Word History and Origins

Origin of claque¹

First recorded in 1860–65; from French, derivative of claquer “to clap”

Word History and Origins

Origin of claque¹

C19: from French, from claquer to clap, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

In contrast, the clerisy has little needed for the basically educated, but only an approving claque and faithful servants.

From The Daily Beast

To save the banking system, Greenspan, along with a claque of Republicans like Lindsey Graham, now endorses nationalization.

From The Daily Beast

When Madame la Marchale has finished her run, will the claque be re-admitted to start a new piece?

From Project Gutenberg

The dbutante was received politely but cordially—an indication that there was not a strong claque, which was a relief.

From Project Gutenberg

Patti is not one of them—who carry with them on their foreign tours a chef de claque as a member of their ordinary suite.

From Project Gutenberg

Lem Perry, the leader of the claque, had a somewhat set speech, being uninventive in the construction of new phrases.

From Project Gutenberg

A claque of his supporters replied with feigned enthusiasm, but a malcontent at Alices side rose and stamped to the door.

From Project Gutenberg