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. troop the colour esp. Brit. transfer a flag ceremonially at a public mounting of garrison guards. troop-ship a ship used for transporting troops.
[ F troupe, back-form. f. troupeau dimin. of med.L troppus flock, prob. of Gmc orig. ]