Faction, n.
Etymology: [L. factio a doing, a company of persons acting together, a faction: cf. F. faction See Fashion.]
1. (Anc. Hist.)
One of the divisions or parties of charioteers (distinguished by their colors) 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.
1 more senses
Syn. -- Combination; clique; junto. See Cabal.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for faction; he lists it under cabal.
Where he writes about it:
A faction is more extensive than a conspiracy, less formal in organization, less definite in plan. — from cabal
Faction and its adjective, factious, have always an unfavorable sense. — from cabal