A contraction of the words "fact" and "fiction" coined by Alex Haley (author of Roots and The Autobiography of Malcolm X). He describes his book Roots as a work of faction, a "literary social document based upon exhaustive research and characterized by the presentation of historical fact through the medium of fictionalized dialog."

Fac"tion (?), n. [L. factio a doing, a company of persons acting together, a faction: cf. F. faction See Fashion.]

1. Anc. Hist.

One of the divisions or parties of charioteers (distinguished by their colors) in the games of the circus.

2.

A party, in political society, combined or acting in union, in opposition to the government, or state; -- usually applied to a minority, but it may be applied to a majority; a combination or clique of partisans of any kind, acting for their own interests, especially if greedy, clamorous, and reckless of the common good.

3.

Tumult; discord; dissension.

They remained at Newbury in great faction among themselves. Clarendon.

Syn. -- Combination; clique; junto. See Cabal.

 

© Webster 1913.