FACTION • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Faction

Add this Dictionary
to your website!
See more options...

/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.

See images of 'Faction'

Etymology of 'Faction'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

Share |

"Faction" Quotes from Famous Books

... to which the controversy was transferred, with occasional references to Dr. Carey in Serampore. All Scotland, led by Christopher Anderson, Chalmers, and the Haldanes—all England, except the Dyer faction and Robert Hall for a time, among the Baptists, and nearly all America, held with the Serampore men; but their ever-extending operations were checked by the uncertainty, and their hearts were nearly broken. The junior missionaries in India formed ...

— The Life of William Carey • George Smith

... which he had crushed the spirits of his own subjects at home; and because he could not be put to death openly, by virtue of his authority, he accomplished the ruin of this innocent man by bringing a false accusation against him. By means of some Aricians of the opposite faction, he bribed a servant of Turnus with gold, to suffer a great number of swords to be introduced privately into his lodging. When this had been completed in the course of one night, Tarquin, having summoned the chiefs of the Latins to him ...

— The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 • Titus Livius

... acquaint the reader with the movements of Mr Vanslyperken, we must again revert to the history of the period in which we are writing. The Jacobite faction had assumed a formidable consistency, and every exertion was being made by them for an invasion of England. They knew that their friends were numerous, and that many who held office under the ruling Government were attached to their cause, and only required such a ...

— Snarley-yow - or The Dog Fiend • Frederick Marryat

... an aspect of old but declining prosperity. There are few new houses, but many falling into ruin. The faces, too, of most we meet are serious, and their voices in an undertone. Silk dresses are prohibited by the dominant faction, and tobacco can only be smoked within doors, ...

— MacMillan's Reading Books - Book V • Anonymous

... also has had its movements of reform which have espoused non-violence as a principle. The most significant one in the United States has been the abolition crusade before the Civil War. Its most publicized faction was the group led by William Lloyd Garrison, who has had a reputation as an uncompromising extremist. Almost every school boy remembers the words with which he introduced the first issue of ...

— Introduction to Non-Violence • Theodore Paullin

More quotes...