n.1 US a a meeting of the members of a political party, esp. in the Senate etc., to decide policy. b a bloc of such members. c this system as a political force.
2 often derog. (esp. in the UK) a a usu. secret meeting of a group within a larger organization or party. b such a group.
Etymology: 18th-c. US, perh. f. Algonquin cau' -cau-as' u adviser