cabal
Other forms: cabals; caballing; caballed
A cabal is a secret plot, or a small group of people who create such a plot. Some conspiracy theories are based on the idea that governments worldwide are in the hands of a powerful cabal.
Cabal comes from the word cabbala (also spelled kabbala), which refers to a Jewish tradition of interpreting texts. Cabbala is often regarded as a secret and mystical practice and, as such, the word took on the additional meaning of “secret behavior.” Cabal comes from this sense of the word. A well-known cabal in 17th-century England was coincidentally made up of five members whose names’ initial letters spelled the word cabal. (Their names were Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley, and Lauderdale.)
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a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue
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a plot to carry out some harmful or illegal act (especially a political plot)synonyms: conspiracytypes:Gunpowder Plota conspiracy in 1605 in England to blow up James I and the Houses of Parliament to avenge the persecution of Catholics in England; led by Guy Fawkestype of:
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engage in plotting or enter into a conspiracy, swear together
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Vocabulary lists containing cabal
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A group of extraordinarily talented African-American women help NASA achieve some of its greatest successes, even as they face discrimination and oppression.
Following the Constitutional Convention in 1787, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay published a series of essays supporting the new Constitution. Together these essays are called The Federalist Papers. Federalist No. 10 by Madison is considered one of the most important political documents in U.S. history. Madison discusses political factions, which in today's language might be called political parties. The essay was first published in newspapers under the pen name "Publius." Read the full text here.