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Faction

1. One of the divisions or parties of charioteers (distinguished by their colours) in the games of the circus.

2. 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.

3. Tumult; discord; dissension. They remained at Newbury in great faction among themselves. (Clarendon)

Synonym: combination, clique, junto. See Cabal.

Origin: L. Factio a doing, a company of persons acting together, a faction: cf. F. Faction see fashion.