[F. claque a smack or clap of the hand; a band of claqueurs; f. claquer to clap.] An organized body of hired applauders in a theater; hence transf. a body of subservient followers always ready to applaud their leader.
1864. Realm, 6 April, 5. The claque was ready with its obsequious applause of the true British Minister, who sticks to his friends.
1870. Brewer, Dict. Phrase & Fable (ed. 3), s.v. Claque, M. Sauton, in 1820 … was the first to organize the Parisian claque.
