faction

noun fak-SYOHN Rare

Origin: From Latin factio, from facere 'to do'.

Also means

sentry duty

Usage Note

Faction covers two distinct meanings: a political or ideological splinter group (une faction extrémiste), and in military usage the sentry post or guard duty (être en faction). The military sense, 'to be on watch', is a distinctive French usage that may surprise learners who know only the political sense. The plural factions is regular.

Examples

"Les soldats sont en faction devant le palais."

Natural Translation

The soldiers are on sentry duty in front of the palace.

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