CABAL
Ca*bal", v. i. [int. & p. p. Caballed; p. pr. & vb. n. Caballing].
Etym: [Cf. F. cabaler.]
Defn: To unite in a small party to promote private views and interests by intrigue; to intrigue; to plot. Caballing still against it with the great. Dryden.
CABALA
Cab"a*la, n. Etym: [LL. See Cabal, n.]
1. A kind of occult theosophy or traditional interpretation of the Scriptures among Jewish rabbis and certain mediæval Christians, which treats of the nature of god and the mystery of human existence. It assumed that every letter, word, number, and accent of Scripture contains a hidden sense; and it teaches the methods of interpretation for ascertaining these occult meanings. The cabalists pretend even to foretell events by this means.
2. Secret science in general; mystic art; mystery.
CABALISM
Cab"a*lism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. cabalisme.]
1. The secret science of the cabalists.
2. A superstitious devotion to the mysteries of the religion which one professes. [R] Emerson.
CABALIST
Cab"a*list, n. Etym: [Cf.F. cabaliste.]
Defn: One versed in the cabala, or the mysteries of Jewish traditions. "Studious cabalists." Swift.