Sedition, n.
Etymology: [OE. sedicioun, OF. sedition, F. sédition, fr. L. seditio, originally, a going aside; hence, an insurrectionary separation; pref. se-, sed-, aside + itio a going, fr. ire, itum, to go. Cf. Issue.]
1. The raising of commotion in a state, not amounting to insurrection; conduct tending to treason, but without an overt act; excitement of discontent against the government, or of resistance to lawful authority. In soothing them, we nourish 'gainst our senate The cockle of rebellion, insolence, sedition. Shak. Noisy demagogues who had been accused of sedition. Macaulay.
2. Dissension; division; schism. [Obs.] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, . . . emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies. Gal. v. 19, 20.
Syn. -- Insurrection; tumult; uproar; riot; rebellion; revolt. See Insurrection.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for sedition; he lists it under revolution.
Where he writes about it:
Sedition is the plotting, rebellion the fighting, against the existing government, but always with the purpose of establishing some other government in its place. — from revolution