Clique, n.
Etymology: [F., fr. OF. cliquer to click. See Click, v. i.]
A narrow circle of persons associated by common interests or for the accomplishment of a common purpose; -- generally used in a bad sense.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Clique, v. i.
To To associate together in a clannish way; to act with others secretly to gain a desired end; to plot; -- used with together.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for clique; he lists it under class.
Where he writes about it:
Clique has always an unfavorable meaning. — from class
A clique is always fractional, implying some greater gathering of which it is a part; the association breaks up into cliques. — from class
Persons unite in a coterie through simple liking for one another; they withdraw into a clique largely through aversion to outsiders. — from class
A set, while exclusive, is more extensive than a clique, and chiefly of persons who are united by common social station, etc. — from class