Faction

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language

·noun Tumult; discord; dissension.

II. Faction ·noun One of the divisions or parties of charioteers (distinguished by their colors) in the games of the circus.

III. Faction ·noun 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.