cabal

Etymology

From French cabale, from Medieval Latin cabbala , which in turn is derived from Hebrew קַבָּלָה (kabalá, “Jewish mysticism”, literally “reception, something received”) (such as knowledge). Doublet of Kabballah.

noun

1. A secret political clique or faction.
2. (derogatory) A putative, secret organization of individuals gathered for a political purpose.
   The cabal is plotting to ruin the world.
3. A secret plot.
   The cabal to destroy the building was foiled by federal agents.
4. An identifiable group within the tradition of Discordianism.
   Some episkoposes have a one-man cabal. Some work together. Some never do explain. 1965, Greg Hill, Kerry Thornley, Principia Discordia

verb

1. (intransitive) To engage in the activities of a cabal.
   […] I believed her to have been carried off by some persons belonging to a party of Jacobites who were known to be caballing against the government, though to what extent was not then ascertained. 1840, George Payne Rainsford James, The King’s Highway, volume I, pages 68–69