troop
UK: truːp | US: truːp
n. a group of soldiers or other organized personnel
n. a large group of people or animals
vi. to move or gather in large numbers
The word "troop" traces back to Old French trope, meaning "flock" or "company," derived from Latin troppus (a flock of animals). This Latin term likely originated from Frankish or Germanic roots related to "turn" or "gather," reflecting the movement of a group. Over time, it specialized to refer to military units (16th century) while retaining its broader sense of a collective. The logic hinges on the idea of a "turning" mass—a cohesive, moving group.
A troop of scouts marched in the parade.
Monkeys often travel in troops through the jungle.
Soldiers trooped into the barracks after training.
Tourists began to troop into the museum at noon.
The teacher managed a lively troop of kindergarteners.