posse

 
Pronunciation: /ˈpɒsi/

noun

  • 1US historical a body of men summoned by a sheriff to enforce the law.
  • (also posse comitatus /ˌkɒmɪˈteɪtəs/) British historical the body of men above the age of fifteen in a county (excluding peers, the clergy, or the infirm), whom the sheriff could summon to repress a riot or for other purposes.
    [comitatus from medieval Latin, 'of the county']
  • 2 informal a group of people who have a common characteristic or occupation: tea was handed round by a posse of mothers
  • a group of young people who socialize together, especially to go to clubs or raves: the followers of the so-called Techno phenomenon, the vibed-up whistle posse

Origin:

mid 17th century: from medieval Latin, literally 'power', from Latin posse 'be able'