A group of people on one side in a contest, battle, etc., or united in maintaining a cause, policy, or opinion in opposition to others; a…

Each of two or more sets of opponents; spec. Each of the parties engaged in a war or battle; each of two or more opposing armies.

concrete. A party; a faction; a body of adherents. Obsolete.

Collective uses. A company or group owing allegiance to a person or organization; a following, faction. Now historical.

An organized dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics or religion; (more generally) a group of people united in maintaining a…