Many nobles sought good government, rather than being factious, and were only forced into war by the king’s incompetence.

Nearly four months after the independent counsel, Kenneth Starr, delivered his report of possible impeachable offenses to the House, the Judiciary Committee will launch the final chapter of its factious inquiry this week, debating the merits of impeachment before taking its vote.

— Lizette Alvarez, “Republicans Offer Clinton Lawyers 2 Days for Defense”, New York Times, December 7, 1998

fac·tious Of, relating to, produced by, or characterized by internal dissension.

Given to or promoting internal dissension. Synonyms = insubordinate.

fac’tious·ly adv., fac’tious·ness n.