Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Faction
Fac′tion
(făk′shŭn)
, Noun.
1.
(Anc. Hist.)
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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Faction
FAC'TION
,Noun.
1.
A party, in political society, combined or acting in union, in opposition to the prince, government or state; usually applied to a minority, but it may be applied to a majority. sometimes a state is divided into factions nearly equal. Rome was almost always disturbed by factions. Republics are proverbial for factions, and factions in monarchies have often effected revolutions.A feeble government produces more factions than an oppressive one.
By a faction, I understand a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community.
2.
Tumult; discord; dissension.