n. & v.
--n.
1. an assembled company; an assemblage of people or animals.
2 (in pl.) soldiers or armed forces.
3 a cavalry unit commanded by a captain.
4 a unit of artillery and armoured formation.
5 a grouping of three or more Scout patrols.
--v.
1. intr. (foll. by in, out, off, etc.) come together or move in large numbers.
2 tr. form (a regiment) into troops.
Phrases and idioms:
troop the colour esp. Brit. transfer a flag ceremonially at a public mounting of garrison guards. troop-ship a ship used for transporting troops.
Etymology: F troupe, back-form. f. troupeau dimin. of med.L troppus flock, prob. of Gmc orig.