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Vinony

claque

noun

  1. body of professional applauders in French theatres and opera houses
L318135 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈklæk/

noun

Etymology: Borrowed from French claque (“group of people hired to applaud or boo, claque”, literally “a slap; a clap”).

  1. A group of people hired to attend a performance and to either applaud or boo.

    “The most popular singers have been obliged to give free tickets and even to donate cash, lest the claque retaliate by frantic applause at the wrong moment.”

    “The claque isn't paid. In fact, claqueurs pay to get in. The inducement is that they can buy standing room for half price, without waiting in line.”

  2. A group of fawning admirers.

    “The most obvious gay connection to opera is the cult of the diva. Stauncher even than the fans of Garland of Striesand, the claques of Maria Callas and Joan Sutherland (among others) have been fanatical in their devotion. Going beyond the usual "appreciation stage" the fans glorify and deify their stars: Callas was "La Divina," Sutherland "La Stupenda."”

  3. A group of people who pre-arrange among themselves to express strong support for an idea, so as to give the false impression of a wider consensus.