1. (Anc. Hist.)
Defn: 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.
Syn.
— Combination; clique; junto. See Cabal.
FACTIONARY Fac"tion*a*ry, a. Etym: [Cf. F. factionnaire, L. factionarius the head of a company of charioteers.]
Defn: Belonging to a faction; being a partisan; taking sides. [Obs.]
Always factionary on the party of your general. Shak.
FACTIONER
Fac"tion*er (-r), n.
Defn: One of a faction. Abp. Bancroft.
FACTIONIST
Fac"tion*ist, n.