"For mystic learning, wondrous able,
In magic talisman and cabal."
Hudibras, Part I. Canto I. 529.
Upon which I find this learned note:—
"Raymund Lully interprets cabal out of the Arabic, to signify Scientia superabundans, which his commentator, Cornelius Agrippa, by over-magnifying, has rendered 'a very superfluous foppery.' Vid. J. Pici, Mirandulæ de Magia et Cabala, Apol. tome i. pp. 110. 111.; Sir Walter Raleigh's History of the World, part i, book i. p. 67., edit. 1614; Purchas' Pilgrims, part ii. lib. vi. pp. 796, 797, 798.; Scot's Discovery of Witchcraft, cap. xi.; Dee's Book of Spirits, with Dr. Meric Casaubon's Preface; Churchill's Voyages, &c., vol. ii. p. 528., second edition; Bailey's Dictionary, folio edition, under the word 'cabala;' Jacob's Law Dictionary, under the word 'cabal;' and British Librarian, No. 6. for June, 1737, p. 340."
The other instance I am adducing gives us "cabal" in its common acceptation:—
"Set up committees of cabals
To pack designs without the walls."
Part III. Canto II. 945.
I again copy a note from Dr. Grey:—