Dr. Johnson’s Dictionary

To CABA’L. v.n. [cabaler, Fr.] To form close intrigues; to
intrigue; to unite in small parties.
His mournful friends, summon’d to take their leaves,
Are throng’d about his couch, and sit in council:
What those caballing captains may design,
I must prevent, by being first in action. Dryden’s D. Sebast.