FACTION • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Faction

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/fˈækʃən/ Listen

noun

Faction n.

(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."

Synonyms: Combination; clique; junto. See Cabal.

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Etymology of 'Faction'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Faction" Quotes from Famous Books

... first of the subjoined illustrations notice that the words "possible modes" contain practically all the speech itself. So the four words at the end, "faction, corruption, anarchy, and despotism," hold a great deal of the latter part of the speech. These expressions do not repeat the heads of divisions; they condense long passages. The ...

— Public Speaking • Clarence Stratton

... constantly more important, and of which I received flattering opinions from Downing Street. I mingled extensively in general society, and it was never more animated, or more characteristic, than at that period in Paris. The leaders of faction and the leaders of fashion, classes so different in every other part of the world, were there often the same. The woman who dazzled the ball-room, was frequently the confidente of the deepest designs of party. The coterie in a salon, covered with ...

— Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 54, No. 337, November, 1843 • Various

... will needs retyre, farewell, my Lord. Ha, Rodoricke, are not we fine Polyticians That have so quaintly wrought the king of Fraunce Unto our faction that he threatens warre Against the ...

— A Collection of Old English Plays, Vol. III • Various

... place since last November. The political fabric in our own land has assumed a different hue, and men who a year ago were unnoticed and unknown are even more so now. This is indeed a healthy sign. No matter what party or faction may be responsible for this, I say in a wholly non-partisan spirit, that I am glad ...

— Remarks • Bill Nye

... in England. Mr. Hume emphatically stated his opinion that "a crisis was fast approaching in the affairs of Canada which would terminate in independence and freedom from the baneful domination of the mother country, and the tyrannical conduct of a small and despicable faction in the colony." The official class availed themselves of this egregious blunder to excite the indignation of the Loyalist population against Mr. Mackenzie and other Reformers, many of whom, like the Baldwins and Perrys, disavowed all sympathy ...

— Canada under British Rule 1760-1900 • John G. Bourinot

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