Legal Definitions - cabal

Definition: A small group of political schemers or conspirators.

The term "cabal" is sometimes thought to have originated as an acronym from a committee of five ministers of Charles II, whose surnames began with C, A, B, A, and L (Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley, and Lauderdale). However, this is not true. The term actually came into English directly from the French word "cabale," which means "intrigue." The French word, in turn, comes from the Hebrew word "kabbalah," which means "received lore."

For example, a group of politicians might form a cabal to secretly plan and carry out a political scheme. This group might meet in secret and use their power and influence to achieve their goals without the knowledge or consent of others.