Se-di'tion, n.

(se-dish'un), n. [Lat. seditio, from se, sed, aside, and itio, a going, from ire, itum, to go; hence, originally, a going aside; hence, an insurrectionary separation; Fr. sédition, Pr. sedicio, Sp. sedicion, It. sedizione.] The raising of commotion in a state, not amounting to insurrection; arousing of discontent against government, and disturbance of public tranquillity by speaking or circulating inflammatory publications, and the like; excitement of resistance to lawful authority. “Noisy demagogues . . . accused of sedition.” Macaulay.

☞ Sedition is of the like tendency with treason, but without the overt acts that are essential to the latter. Brande. See INSURRECTION.

Synonyms—Insurrection; tumult; uproar; riot; rebellion; revolt. See INSURRECTION.