clique \ˈklēk, ˈklik\noun (-s) Etymology: French, perhaps from Middle French, latch, from cliquer to click; from the secrecy involved in some such groups : a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons; especially: one held together by a presumed identity of interests, views, or purposes < a number of cliques developed within the union leadership > < the court clique > < cliques within the student body >