Claque: an organized group of people hired to applaud, cheer, or jeer at a performance to influence the audience’s reaction. Derived from the French verb claquer (to clap), the practice dates back to ancient Rome and was highly institutionalized in 19th-century Parisian theaters In the 19th century, specialized claqueurs were assigned specific duties, such as the rieurs (to laugh loudly at comedies) or pleureuses (women paid to weep during melodramas).

Today, the term has evolved to mean a devoted retinue of followers or sycophants who blindly support a public figure or politician.