Definition of "claque"

The most popular singers have been obliged to give free tickets and even to donate cash, lest the claque retaliate by frantic applause at the wrong moment.

1930 February 23, “Theatre claqueurs in Vienna form union; now get two Wienerwursts for simple applause, six with beer for special ovations”, in The New York Times‎, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, archived from the original on 28 July 2021, page 4, column 1

The claque isn't paid. In fact, claqueurs pay to get in. The inducement is that they can buy standing room for half price, without waiting in line.

1957 December 22, John Briggs, “What every young claqueur should know”, in The New York Times‎, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, archived from the original on 28 July 2021, page 53, columns 4–7