posse
UK: ˈpɒsi | US: ˈpɑːsi
n. a group of people summoned by a sheriff to assist in maintaining law and order
n. (informal) a group of friends or associates
The word "posse" originates from Medieval Latin posse comitatus, meaning "power of the county." It derives from Latin posse ("to be able"), combining potis ("able") + esse ("to be"). Over time, it was shortened to "posse" in English, initially referring to a legal group mobilized by authorities and later evolving into informal usage for any group or gang.
The sheriff gathered a posse to track down the outlaw.
He arrived at the party with his entire posse.
In the Old West, a posse was often formed to pursue criminals.
She’s always surrounded by her loyal posse of friends.
The film depicts a posse of vigilantes seeking justice.