cabal
/kə-ˈbäl/
noun
the contrived schemes of a group of persons secretly united in a plot (as to overturn a government); also : a group engaged in such schemes
club, group
plot intrigue machination conspiracy cabal mean a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end. plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme. intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.
verb
to unite in or form a cabal