cabal

name

1. A surname.

noun

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 Kabbalah, as well as, more distantly, ghibli.

1. A putative, secret organization of individuals gathered for a political purpose.

   “The cabal is plotting to ruin the world.”

   “Undaunted and implacable, prudent and active; no opposition of the French princes or nobles could withstand his vengeance, no cabals could escape his penetration.”

2. A secret plot.

   “The cabal to destroy the building was foiled by federal agents.”

3. An identifiable group within the tradition of Discordianism.

   “Some episkoposes have a one-man cabal. Some work together. Some never do explain.”

verb

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 Kabbalah, as well as, more distantly, ghibli.

1. To engage in the activities of a cabal.

   “[W]e think it very unbecoming our Prudence, that the Determination ſhould be remitted to the Authors themſelves; when our Adversaries, by Briguing and Caballing, have cauſed so univerſal a Defection from us, that the greater Part of our Society has already deſerted to them, […]”

   “[…] 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.”