faction Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue
junto; camarilla; cabal.
noun a dissenting clique
sect.

L. factio a doing, a company of persons acting together, a faction: cf. F. faction See Fashion.

(Anc. Hist.) One of the divisions or parties of charioteers (distinguished by their colors) in the games of the circus.
A party, in political society, combined or acting in union, in opposition to the government, or state; -- usually applied to a minority, but it may be applied to a majority; a combination or clique of partisans of any kind, acting for their own interests, especially if greedy, clamorous, and reckless of the common good.
Tumult; discord; dissension.
They remained at Newbury in great faction among themselves. Clarendon.
Syn. -- Combination; clique; junto. See Cabal.