n. [ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Tumult; discord; dissension. [ 1913 Webster ]

They remained at Newbury in great faction among themselves. Clarendon.

Syn. -- Combination; clique; junto. See Cabal. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. factionnaire, L. factionarius the head of a company of charioteers. ] Belonging to a faction; being a partisan; taking sides. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Always factionary on the party of your general. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One of a faction. Abp. Bancroft. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who promotes faction. [ 1913 Webster ]