wolf pack

noun

1. a group of submarines operating together in attacking enemy convoys

• Hypernyms: ↑fleet

2. a group of wolves hunting together

• Hypernyms: ↑pack

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noun

Etymology: intended as translation of German rudel flock, herd, pack (in rudeltaktik wolf-pack tactics, rudelsystem wolf-pack system)

1.

a. : a tactical unit of two or more submarines that make a coordinated attack on shipping

b. : a group of two or more fighter planes making a coordinated attack

2. : a roving gang of roughneck teen-agers

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1. a group of submarines operating together in hunting down and attacking enemy convoys.

2. a group of wolves hunting together.

[1890-95 for def. 2; 1940-45 for def. 1]

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wolf pack noun

1. A pack of wolves

2. A flotilla of submarines or group of aircraft sent out to attack enemy targets

• • •

Main Entry: ↑wolf

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wolf pack,

1. a) a pack of wolves. b) Figurative. a group of violent criminals: »

The idea of attacking people…of unattainable affluence is a common pattern among participants in wolf-pack attacks (New York Times).

2. (in World War II) a body of submarines acting in concert against enemy shipping, especially a body of German submarines using tactics such as are traditionally ascribed to wolves, as of harrying pursuit or mass assault at night.

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n. a group of people or things that operate as a hunting and attacking pack, in particular a group of attacking submarines or aircraft