1. A group of people: This is the most common meaning. A posse can be any group of people who are together for a common purpose.
* Example: "The kids formed a posse to go trick-or-treating."
2. A group of people authorized to assist a law enforcement officer: This is a more specific meaning, referring to a group of citizens called upon to help an officer in making an arrest or maintaining peace. This meaning is often used in historical contexts, particularly in the American West.
* Example: "The sheriff called for a posse to track down the outlaws."
3. A group of friends or associates: This is a more informal meaning and is often used to describe a close-knit group of people.
* Example: "They were a tight-knit posse who always looked out for each other."
In summary: "Posse" can refer to any group of people, but it often carries a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and sometimes even authority.