troupe (trōōp) n. A company or group, especially of touring actors, singers, or dancers. See Synonyms at band2. intr.v.
trouped, troup·ing, troupes To tour with a theatrical company.
1825, "company, band," from Fr. troupe, from M.Fr. troupe "company" (see troop). Trouper is "actor or performer in a theatrical troupe;" transf. sense of "reliable, uncomplaining person" is attested from 1959 (but the first recorded reference describes the usage as "old-fashioned").