JUN'TO, noun [Latin junctus, joined.] 1. Primarily, a select council or assembly, which deliberates in secret on any affair of government. In a good sense, it is not used in English; but hence, 2. A cabal; a meeting or collection of men combined for secret deliberation and intrigue for party purposes; a faction; as a junto of ministers.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI