troop

Everyday

1. (troops) Soldiers, especially a large group of them. tree →
2. A group of soldiers, especially on horses or in tanks. tree →
3. A group of people or animals, such as a troop of monkeys or a troop of scouts. tree →
4. (verb) To walk together as a group, often in a line: «the children trooped into the hall». tree →

In the lessons

In history and news, troops are soldiers sent somewhere. In nature lessons, groups of monkeys and baboons are called troops. In everyday life a scout troop is a group of scouts. In stories, «trooping in» shows a group arriving together, often slowly or unwillingly. Phrases: «troops», «a troop of monkeys», «scout troop», «troop in», «troop out».

Examples

• The troops marched across the bridge. tree →
• A troop of monkeys swung through the trees. tree →
• My brother is in the local scout troop. tree →
• The children trooped into the hall for assembly. tree →
• We trooped out to the bus after the trip. tree →
• The government sent troops to help after the earthquake. tree →
• The baboon troop was led by a big male. tree →
• “It is a lord with his troop.” tree →

Note

«Troops» (plural) usually means soldiers; «200 troops» = 200 soldiers. Homophone trap: «troop» (group) vs «troupe» (a group of actors, dancers or singers, as in a dance troupe). A «trooper» is a soldier or police officer (US: state trooper).

In Jewish tradition

A troop is a band of fighters or raiders. Jacob's blessing plays on the word for Gad, and later writers speak of a troop of horsemen and of David running upon a troop in battle. Once it names a unit of soldiers. In the primary lessons: In history and news, troops are soldiers sent somewhere. In nature lessons, groups of monkeys and baboons are called troops. In everyday life a scout troop is a group of scouts. In stories, «trooping in» shows a group arriving together, often slowly or unwillingly. Phrases: «troops», «a troop of monkeys», «scout troop», «troop in», «troop out».

Examples

• Gad, a troop shall troop upon him; but he shall troop upon their heel. (Torah GEN.49.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• and Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of the troop. (Writings 1CH.12.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• And, behold, there came a troop of men, horsemen by pairs. (Prophets ISA.21.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• For by Thee I run upon a troop; by my God do I scale a wall. (Prophets 2SA.22.30, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Troops» (plural) usually means soldiers; «200 troops» = 200 soldiers. Homophone trap: «troop» (group) vs «troupe» (a group of actors, dancers or singers, as in a dance troupe). A «trooper» is a soldier or police officer (US: state trooper).