Phalanx (noun)

1. A formation of soldiers standing side by side with shields locked and long spears pointed forward, used in ancient Greek warfare.
2. A group of people or things that are closely aligned or united in a common purpose.

Origin:

From the greek word phálanx meaning "finger, row of soldiers".

Examples:

1. The Spartan phalanx was considered one of the most formidable military formations in ancient history.
2. The phalanx of soldiers marched in formation towards the enemy.
3. A phalanx of police officers stood in front of the building to protect it.
4. The protesters formed a phalanx to protect themselves from the police.
5. The company's legal department is a phalanx of lawyers.