n. [ F. troupe, OF. trope, trupe, LL. troppus; of uncertain origin; cf. Icel. þorp a hamlet, village, G. dorf a village, dial. G. dorf a meeting. Norw. torp a little farm, a crowd, E. thorp. Cf. Troupe. ] 1. A collection of people; a company; a number; a multitude. [ 1913 Webster ] That which should accompany old age -- As honor, love, obedience, troops of friends -- I must not look to have. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Soldiers, collectively; an army; -- now generally used in the plural. [ 1913 Webster ] Farewell the plumed troop, and the big wars. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] His troops moved to victory with the precision of machines. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Mil.) Specifically, a small body of cavalry, light horse, or dragoons, consisting usually of about sixty men, commanded by a captain; the unit of formation of cavalry, corresponding to the company in infantry. Formerly, also, a company of horse artillery; a battery. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. A company of stageplayers; a troupe. W. Coxe. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. (Mil.) A particular roll of the drum; a quick march. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. See Boy scout, above. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ] |