troops

Everyday

1. Troops are soldiers, especially a large group of them. tree →
2. A troop is a group of soldiers, scouts or animals such as monkeys: a troop of Girl Scouts, a troop of baboons. tree →
3. To troop somewhere is to walk there together as a group, often slowly or tiredly: the children trooped into the hall. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons and news, troops are soldiers sent somewhere. In science, a troop of monkeys or baboons lives together. In everyday school life, classes troop into assembly. Phrases: send in the troops, a troop of scouts, troop in, troop out.

Examples

• The troops marched across the bridge. tree →
• A troop of monkeys swung through the trees. tree →
• My sister is in a Girl Scout troop. tree →
• The tired children trooped back to the bus. tree →
• The general sent more troops to the city. tree →
• We all trooped into the hall for assembly. tree →
• Seven leaders were now chosen, each at the head of a separate detachment of troops. tree →

Note

«Troops» usually means many soldiers (we don't count them one by one as «a troop» = one soldier). Homophone: «troupe» (a group of actors or dancers: a dance troupe). In maths, «200 troops in 4 equal groups» means 200 ÷ 4 = 50 in each.

In Jewish tradition

Bands of armed men or raiders, such as soldiers in an army or robbers waiting to ambush a traveler.

Interpretation. Hosea compares the priests to robber bands, which shows how serious the sin of those who should have led the people in righteousness was.

Examples

• And Elam bore the quiver, with troops of men, even horsemen; and Kir uncovered the shield. (Prophets ISA.22.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• His troops come on together, and cast up their way against me, and encamp round about my tent. (Writings JOB.19.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so doth the company of priests; they murder in the way toward Shechem; yea, they commit enormity. (Prophets HOS.6.9, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Troops» usually means many soldiers (we don't count them one by one as «a troop» = one soldier). Homophone: «troupe» (a group of actors or dancers: a dance troupe). In maths, «200 troops in 4 equal groups» means 200 ÷ 4 = 50 in each.