COTERIE

COTERIE, a term adopted from the French trading associations or partnerships, where each person advances his quota of stock, and receives his proportion of gain; and which retains its original meaning when applied to little assemblies or companies associated for mirth and good humour, where each one furnishes his

quota of pleasantry. Here they coin new words not understood elsewhere, but which it becomes fashionable for others to use; and they are thought ridiculous who are ignorant of them. It has been sometimes used to signify a club of ladies.