camarilla

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

camarilla
    n 1: a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through
         intrigue [syn: {cabal}, {faction}, {junto}, {camarilla}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Camarilla \Ca`ma*ril"la\, n. [Sp., a small room.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. The private audience chamber of a king.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A company of secret and irresponsible advisers, as of a
      king; a cabal or clique.
      [1913 Webster]