Cabal
/kəˈbæl/noun
A secret political faction or conspiratorial group.
Did you know?The term 'Cabal' is linked to the 17th-century English Cabal Ministry, which operated under a shroud of secrecy, influencing the course of British politics.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
cabala
“A mystical or secret tradition.”
15th Century
Hebrew
קַבָּלָה (Qabbalah)
“A tradition of receiving esoteric knowledge.”
17th Century
English
cabal
“A secret or conspiratorial group, especially in politics.”
19th Century
English
cabal
“Used more broadly to describe any secretive group or faction.”
Modern English
English
cabal
“Refers to clandestine organizations and conspiracies.”