Etymology:
Erroneous form of junta n., by assimilation to Spanish nouns in o (compare -ado suffix ). The form juncto (after Latin junctum) was very common down to 1700.
1.
A body of men who have joined or combined for a common purpose,
especially of a political character; a self-elected committee or
council; a clique, faction, or cabal; a club or coterie.
a. In politics or matters of public interest.
b. In ecclesiastical affairs. Obs.c. In general sense.
"The necessity of unanimity in public bodies, or of something approaching towards it, has been founded upon a supposition that it would contribute to security. But its real operation is to embarrass the administration, to destroy the energy of the government, and to substitute the pleasure, caprice, or artifices of an insignificant, turbulent, or corrupt junto, to the regular deliberations and decisions of a respectable majority."
- Alexander Hamilton, as quoted by Ezra Klein, "Let's talk: The move to reform the filibuster", 28 January 2013 The New Yorker
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