huddle

/ˈhə-dᵊl/

probably from or akin to Middle English hoderen to huddle

verb

  1. to arrange carelessly or hurriedly

  2. to crowd together

  3. to draw (oneself) together : crouch

the solemnities had to be huddled through at express speed

noun

  1. a close-packed group : bunch

  2. meeting, conference

  3. a brief gathering of players away from the line of scrimmage to receive instructions (as from the quarterback) for the next down

huddles of children