GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Cabal , n. [F. cabale cabal, cabala, LL. cabala cabala, fr. Heb. qabbālēh reception, tradition, mysterious doctrine, fr. qābal to take or receive, in Piël qibbel to adopt (a doctrine).]
    Tradition; occult doctrine. See Cabala. [Obs.]
   Hakewill.
   
   1913 Webster
   A secret. [Obs.] “The measuring of the temple, a cabal found out but lately.”
   B. Jonson.
   
   1913 Webster
   A number of persons united in some close design, usually to promote their private views and interests in church or state by intrigue; a secret association composed of a few designing persons; a junto.
   1913 Webster
   It so happend, by a whimsical coincidence, that in 1671 the cabinet consisted of five persons, the initial letters of whose names made up the word cabal; Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley, and Lauderdale. 
   Macaulay.
   
   1913 Webster
   The secret artifices or machinations of a few persons united in a close design; intrigue.
   1913 Webster
   By cursed cabals of women.
   Dryden.
   Syn. -- Junto; intrigue; plot; combination; conspiracy. -- Cabal, Combination, Faction. An association for some purpose considered to be bad is the idea common to these terms. A combination is an organized union of individuals for mutual support, in urging their demands or resisting the claims of others, and may be good or bad according to circumstances; as, a combiniation of workmen or of employers to effect or to prevent a change in prices. A cabal is a secret association of a few individuals who seek by cunning practices to obtain office and power. A faction is a larger body than a cabal, employed for selfish purposes in agitating the community and working up an excitement with a view to change the existing order of things. “Selfishness, insubordination, and laxity of morals give rise to combinations, which belong particularly to the lower orders of society. Restless, jealous, ambitious, and little minds are ever forming cabals. Factions belong especially to free governments, and are raised by busy and turbulent spirits for selfish purposes”. 
   Crabb.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Cabal, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Caballed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Caballing]. [Cf. F. cabaler.] To unite in a small party to promote private views and interests by intrigue; to intrigue; to plot.
   1913 Webster
   Caballing still against it with the great.
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster