(*factio*), a term applied in an ill sense to any party in a state that offers uncompromising opposition to the measures of the government, or that endeavours to excite public discontent upon unreasonable grounds.

Among the ancient Romans, the charioteers in the circus were divided into four parties (*factiones*), each distinguished by the colour of its dress. These factions were thence denominated the white, the red, the blue, and the green; to which Domitian added two more—the golden, and the purple. The spectators favoured one or the other, as humour or caprice inclined them; and it appears, according to Pliny (Ep. ix. 6), that they were more influenced by the gay accoutrements, than by the fleetness of the horses or the skill of the charioteers. It is related that in the time of Justinian no fewer than 30,000 men at Constantinople lost their lives in a tumult that arose among the partisans of these several colours.