an unofficial association of people or groups

an inner circle of writers and artists and philosophers who lived in or around Bloomsbury early in the 20th century and were noted for their unconventional lifestyles

a group of artists and writers with real or pretended artistic or intellectual aspirations and usually an unconventional life style

an inner circle of unofficial advisors to the head of a government

an inner circle of advisors (especially under President Reagan)

a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue